Black Beauty
A reliable green courgette with good cropping and a classic straight fruit shape.
When to plant Courgettes in London
Cucurbita pepo
A tender summer crop for the UK. Sow indoors in warmth, plant out after the last frost into rich, moisture-retentive soil, and keep picking young fruits to keep plants productive.
60 cm · Full Sun · High Water
Calibrated to London · average last frost around 4 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds Indoors
4 Apr to 11 AprSow one seed on its edge in a small pot of warm compost around 4th April - 11th April. Keep the compost just moist and do not sow earlier, because seedlings grow fast and can become root-bound if left too long.
02
Pot On Seedlings
18 Apr to 9 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWhen the first true leaves are formed, move each seedling into a larger pot so roots have room to develop. Handle them gently and keep them in good light from 18th April to 9th May.
03
Harden Off Plants
2 May to 16 MayAcclimatise plants outdoors from 2nd May to 16th May. Start in a sheltered spot by day and bring them in at night, then leave them out longer each day until they cope with full outdoor conditions.
04
Transplant Outdoors
16 May to 30 MayPlant into rich soil around 16th May - 30th May, once frost risk has passed and the soil is warm. Water in, keep the stem base slightly raised, and space plants apart.
05
Water and Feed
20 Jun to 10 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeksFrom 20th June to 10th November, keep the soil moist by watering at the base. Once the first fruits swell, feed container plants with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every 14 days. Plants in rich ground rarely need routine feeding.
06
Harvest Courgettes
20 Jun to 27 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 3 daysCut courgettes from 20th June to 27th October while they are long and still tender. Pick every few days to keep the plant producing.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Courgette to consider
Defender
A popular early, productive hybrid that crops well in UK summers.
Tondo di Piacenza
A round-fruited type that’s handy for stuffing or small harvests.
Astra Polka
A pale-skinned variety with attractive mottling and steady yields.
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Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest June to August. Typical frost risk November to April.
Brussels Sprouts
Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest October to March. Typical frost risk November to April.
Calabrese
Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest June to August. Typical frost risk November to April.
Courgette guides by town
See how Courgette timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.