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 | On edge, in individual pots, at 18–21°C. |
| Plant out | Late May | June | After last frost. Harden off for 1–2 weeks first. |
Regional variation: Don't rush planting out — a late frost is more common in Ireland's inland midlands than near the coast. Munster and coastal Leinster can usually go slightly earlier.
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 in Ireland?
One or two is enough for most households — they're extremely productive once established.
My courgette has flowers but no fruit — why?
Early in the season plants produce mainly male flowers. Be patient, or hand-pollinate with a soft brush to speed things up.
Can I grow courgettes in a container in Ireland?
Yes, in a large pot of at least 40cm. Water daily in dry spells 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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