Sow indoors
April – May
Sow direct
—
Plant out
May – June
Harvest
June – October
Days to maturity
55–70 days
Position
Full sun
Frost sensitive
Yes
Min soil temp
15°C
Sowing and planting calendar
| Method | From | To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | April | May | Sow on edge in individual pots at 18–21°C. Germinates quickly. |
| Plant out | Late May | June | After last frost. Harden off for 1–2 weeks first. |
Regional variation: Don't be tempted to plant out early — one frost will kill a courgette plant. In Scotland, wait until early June. In the south, late May is usually safe after hardening off.
Growing tips
Sow seeds on their edge
Sow courgette seeds on their edge (not flat) in individual pots of compost. This helps prevent rotting. Germination is fast — usually 3–5 days at 18°C.
Give them space
A single courgette plant can spread to 1m across. One or two plants is enough for most households. Plant in rich, moisture-retentive soil and water well throughout summer.
Harvest when small for best flavour
Courgettes taste best at 15–20cm long. Let them get bigger and flavour decreases — and the plant slows down. Check plants every 2–3 days in peak season.
Hand-pollinate if fruit rots at the end
Small fruits rotting before they develop usually indicates poor pollination. Use a soft brush to transfer pollen from male to female flowers. Female flowers have a small fruit at the base.
Common problems
Powdery mildew
White powdery coating on leaves from late summer. Weakens plants but rarely kills them before the season ends.
Fix: Improve airflow around plants. Water at the base, not on leaves. Remove badly affected leaves. A late August mildew attack is normal.
Slugs on young plants
Young courgette plants are very vulnerable to slug damage immediately after planting out.
Fix: Use copper tape around pots, or set beer traps. Sprinkle wildlife-safe slug pellets around new plants until they establish.
Frequently asked questions
How many courgette plants do I need?
One or two plants is enough for most families. They're extraordinarily productive — three plants can produce more courgettes than most households can eat.
My courgette is producing flowers but no fruit — why?
Early in the season plants produce mainly male flowers. Female flowers (with a tiny courgette at the base) come later. Be patient, or hand-pollinate to speed things up.
Can I grow courgettes in a container?
Yes, in a large pot (at least 40cm diameter) with rich compost. Water daily in hot weather and feed weekly once flowering starts.
Related guides
Keep track of your courgettes in Vercro
Add your courgettes to a bed and each morning Today shows the jobs that matter for them, from how far along they are and your local forecast. Log every pick in the Record.
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