Courgette
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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Courgette
Planting Calendar
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Sow Seeds Indoors
Sow one seed on its edge in a small pot of warm compost around . Keep the compost just moist and do not sow earlier, because seedlings grow fast and can become root-bound if left too long.
Pot On Seedlings
When 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 to .
Harden Off Plants
Acclimatise plants outdoors over about 10 days from to . 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.
Transplant Outdoors
Plant into rich soil or a prepared mound around once frost risk has passed. Water in thoroughly straight after planting, keep the stem base slightly raised above the surrounding soil, and space plants apart.
Water and Feed
every weekFrom to , water deeply at the soil rather than over the leaves, and avoid soaking the main stem. Begin feeding with a high-potash liquid feed once the first fruits set, then repeat every 7 days while plants are cropping.
Harvest Courgettes
every 3 daysPick fruits from to while they are small and tender, ideally when they are long. Harvest often, because regular picking keeps the plant producing for longer.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Courgette.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Courgette to consider
Black Beauty
A reliable green courgette with good cropping and a classic straight fruit shape.
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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