Crop type: Marrows
Cucurbita pepo ‘Tiger Cross’
Common name: Marrow ‘Tiger Cross’ AGM
Crop slug: marrow
This Allotment Pro editorial draft summarises the cited RHS cultivar profile. Check the source and adjust cultivation decisions for local conditions.RHS cultivar profile
1 - Overview
‘Tiger Cross’ is a high-quality British-bred bush marrow that grows quickly and crops early. It produces a uniform crop of elongated fruits striped green and cream. These can be harvested young as courgettes or allowed to mature into full-sized marrows, giving two useful cropping stages from one plant.
This modern F1 hybrid harvests from June to October and shows good resistance to cucumber mosaic virus. Its reliable yield, distinct two-colour fruit and early maturity have earned it the RHS Award of Garden Merit; its yellow flowers also support pollinating insects.
2 - Size
- Ultimate height
- 0.5–1 metre
- Ultimate spread
- 1–1.5 metres
- Time to ultimate size
- 1 year
Although described as a bush marrow, ‘Tiger Cross’ is larger than the most compact container cultivars and can develop trailing growth. Allow a broad prepared station with clear access for fruit inspection and regular harvest.
3 - Growing conditions
- Suitable soils
- Rich fertile garden soil
- Moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid or neutral
Grow in soil generously improved with garden compost or well-rotted manure. Drainage must remain free, but the vigorous foliage and swelling fruits need consistent moisture. Mulch around, but not against, the crown to conserve water.
4 - Position and hardiness
- Light
- Full sun
- Aspect
- South- or west-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- Hardiness
- H2 — tolerant of low temperatures but not surviving prolonged freezing
Select a warm sheltered full-sun site. This tender cultivar must be hardened off before planting outside after the last frost. Good warmth encourages early cropping, strong stripes and dependable pollination.
5 - Colour and seasonal interest
Broad green palmately lobed leaves surround golden-yellow flowers in summer. The uniform cylindrical fruits carry bold alternating green and creamy-white stripes along their full length, remaining decorative from courgette size through mature marrow size. Flowers and fruits provide summer and autumn interest.
6 - Botanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to Great Britain and Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy and trailing
- Name status
- Accepted
Genus
Cucurbita comprises annual climbing or trailing plants native to Central and South America. Cultivated species include marrows, squashes, pumpkins and courgettes, with prickly palmately lobed leaves and separate star-shaped golden-yellow flowers.
Safety
Never eat a bitter fruit or feed it to pets, since unusual bitterness can indicate harmful cucurbitacins. Wear gloves and protective clothing when working among the finely prickly leaves if they irritate the skin.
7 - How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in rich fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Start indoors from mid- to late April, sowing individual seeds on their side about 1.5cm deep. Keep seedlings warm and bright, then harden them off and transplant to their prepared final position after frost, normally by June.
Water generously at soil level once flowering and fruiting begin. Feed container plants or crops in poorer ground with a high-potassium liquid feed every 10–14 days after fruits start swelling. Pick frequently at the preferred courgette or marrow stage from June to October; regular harvesting extends production.
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Use individual pots to reduce root disturbance during planting.
Suggested locations
- Sunny vegetable plot
- Spacious raised bed
- Prepared allotment station
- Wildlife-friendly productive garden
Pruning
No routine pruning is required. Regular harvesting prolongs cropping. Remove only damaged or mildew-affected leaves where necessary for airflow.
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails, especially while young. Protect seedlings, flowers and newly set fruits during damp conditions.
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey mould and powdery mildew. ‘Tiger Cross’ shows good resistance to cucumber mosaic virus. Maintain airflow and keep irrigation off the foliage.