Heirloom

Vegetable Marrow (Long Green Trailing)

Cucurbita pepo 'Long Green Trailing'

A traditional British heirloom that produces enormous, prize-winning fruits that can reach 2-3 feet long and provide abundant harvests for large families or competitive gardening. This vigorous trailing variety is perfect for gardeners who want to grow something truly impressive, with its ability to produce marrows weighing 10+ pounds from compact plants. The mild, versatile flesh is excellent stuffed, in soups, or as a potato substitute in traditional British cooking.

Harvest

60-80d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

White-Tailed Deer

☀️

Zones

3–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Vegetable Marrow (Long Green Trailing) in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 squash →

Zone Map

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Vegetable Marrow (Long Green Trailing) · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing60-72 inches (trailing vines spread 8-12 feet)

SoilRich, well-drained soil with high organic matter and compost

pH6.0-7.5

Water2-3 inches per week, especially when fruits are developing

SeasonWarm season

FlavorMild, slightly sweet when young, becomes more neutral and meaty when mature

ColorDark green with lighter green stripes, cream-colored flesh

Size18-36 inches long, 10-20+ pounds when fully mature

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	June – July	September – October
Zone 4	—	—	June – July	September – October
Zone 5	—	—	May – June	August – October
Zone 6	—	—	May – June	August – September
Zone 7	—	—	April – June	July – September
Zone 8	—	—	April – May	July – August
Zone 9	—	—	March – April	June – July
Zone 10	—	—	February – April	May – July

Complete Growing Guide

Light: White-Tailed Deer. Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: var. CylindricaZucchini Squash, var. Cylindrica. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

A type of berry called a pepo that has a hard rind. Fruits may be long or round, large or small, smooth or warty– some have edible flesh and some are too hard or insipid to eat, though the seeds of all are edible. Has a harder, thicker stem compared to other species.

Color: Black, Cream/Tan, Gold/Yellow, Green, Orange, Pink, Red/Burgundy, Variegated, White. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible, Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Summer

Storage & Preservation

Young marrows keep 1-2 weeks refrigerated in the crisper drawer, wrapped loosely in plastic to prevent moisture loss while allowing some air circulation. Mature marrows are excellent keepers—store in a cool, dry location (50-55°F) with good ventilation, and they'll last 2-4 months.

For preservation, young marrows freeze well when cut into cubes and blanched for 3 minutes, though they'll be softer when thawed. Mature marrows are perfect for canning as chunks in light syrup or pressure-canning as savory preparations. The mild flesh also dehydrates successfully when sliced thin and dried until leathery. Traditional British cooks often make marrow jam or chutney, combining the neutral flesh with sugar, vinegar, and warming spices for long-term pantry storage.

History & Origin

Origin: North America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Nasturtiums

Trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids

Marigolds

Repel cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes

Radishes

Repel squash vine borers and cucumber beetles

Corn

Provides vertical support and shade, part of Three Sisters planting

Beans

Fix nitrogen in soil, complete the Three Sisters combination

Catnip

Strong repellent for squash bugs and cucumber beetles

Dill

Attracts beneficial predatory insects that control squash pests

Sunflowers

Provide shade and attract beneficial insects, trap crop for stink bugs

Keep Apart

Potatoes

Both are heavy feeders competing for nutrients, potatoes inhibit squash growth

Fennel

Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of squash and most vegetables

Aromatic herbs (sage, rosemary)

Strong oils can inhibit squash germination and growth

Nutrition Facts

Calories

26kcal(1%)

Protein

0.52g(1%)

Carbs

5.64g(2%)

Fat

0.2g(0%)

Vitamin C

4.5mg(5%)

Iron

0.17mg(1%)

Calcium

9mg(1%)

Potassium

205mg(4%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168040)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Moderate disease resistance, susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions

Common Pests

Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, slugs

Diseases

Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, mosaic virus

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does vegetable marrow Long Green Trailing take to grow?▼

Young tender marrows are ready in 60-80 days, perfect for stuffing and fresh eating. For impressive mature marrows that can win competitions, allow 100-120 days for fruits to reach their full 20+ pound potential. The exact timing depends on your climate and growing conditions.

Can you grow Long Green Trailing marrow in containers?▼

While technically possible, this variety is not ideal for containers due to its vigorous trailing nature and extensive root system. You'd need a minimum 50-gallon container and substantial trellising. Bush marrow varieties are much better suited for container growing.

What does Long Green Trailing vegetable marrow taste like?▼

Young marrows have a mild, slightly sweet flavor similar to zucchini but with firmer, less watery flesh. Mature marrows develop a neutral, meaty texture often compared to potato or turnip, making them excellent for absorbing flavors in traditional British stuffed marrow recipes.

Is Long Green Trailing marrow good for beginners?▼

This variety requires moderate skill due to its space requirements, susceptibility to powdery mildew, and need for consistent feeding. Beginners might find bush varieties or smaller trailing types easier to manage while developing their squash-growing skills.

When should I plant Long Green Trailing marrow seeds?▼

Plant after soil reaches 65°F and all frost danger passes—typically late May to early June in most regions. In zones 3-5, start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date to ensure sufficient growing time for mature marrows.

How much space does Long Green Trailing marrow need?▼

Allow 6-8 feet between planting hills, as each plant can spread 10-12 feet in all directions. For maximum-sized fruits, some gardeners dedicate 100+ square feet per plant. The trailing vines can be trained along fence lines or allowed to sprawl across unused lawn areas.