Carosello, 'Scopatizzo o Leccese'

Germination

Suited to indoor and outdoor cultivation. Sow indoors Mar-June for indoor cropping or later transplanting out May-Jul. Sow 3 seeds 10mm deep into 8cm pots of free draining moist seed compost. Propagate 20°C. Germination takes 7-10 days. Protect seedlings from direct sunlight to prevent scorching. Thin to strongest seedling asap. Grow plants on until they are large enough to handle, 3-5 weeks from sowing. Grow on, keep compost moist not wet. If keeping in greenhouse allow 2 plants per growbag. If planting out acclimatise for 7-10 days. Plant in rows 90cm apart. Prefers rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Can be sown directly May-Jun. Successional sow every 3 weeks for continued supply.

Growing

Water regularly and thoroughly. Can be pinched out at the main stem after 7 leaves have formed to encourage sideshoots. Train up supports with 45 cm spacing. For ground maturing lay straw or plastic to keep fruit clean with 90cm spacing. Fruit should be ready to harvest with 60 days approx.

Cultivation

Harvest regularly to encourage new growth. Pick fruits while young and tender, older fruits can become bitter. Best harvested in the morning when cool. The fruit has a fuzz on it, this can easily be washed off.