Courgettes, also known as zucchini, are fast-growing, warm-season vegetables valued for their tender texture and mild, slightly sweet flavour. They produce elongated green, yellow, or striped fruits that are harvested young for the best taste and softness. Large, lush leaves and bright yellow flowers make courgette plants a striking and productive addition to the vegetable garden.
Highly versatile in the kitchen, courgettes can be eaten raw or cooked in a wide range of dishes, from salads and stir-fries to soups, bakes, and breads. The plants are known for their generous yields, often producing fruit continuously throughout summer. Easy to grow and rich in vitamins and minerals, courgettes are a popular choice for gardeners seeking a reliable and rewarding crop.
Choose the Right Time Courgettes need warm weather. Sow seeds after the last frost or start indoors 2–3 weeks earlier. Ideal temperature: 18–30°C (65–86°F).
Pick a Sunny Spot Choose a location with full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily). Make sure there’s plenty of space—courgette plants grow large.
Prepare the Soil Use rich, well-draining soil. Mix in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. Soil pH: 6.0–7.5.
Plant the Seeds Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep. Plant 1–2 seeds per spot. Space plants 60–90 cm apart. Water well after planting.
Water Regularly Water deeply 2–3 times per week. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base to avoid leaf diseases.
Feed the Plants Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer. Courgettes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular nutrients.
Care & Maintenance Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remove damaged or yellow leaves. Hand-pollinate flowers if fruit fails to form.
Pest & Disease Watch Watch for aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew. Improve airflow and avoid wet leaves to prevent disease.
When to Harvest Harvest when courgettes are 10–15 cm long. Smaller fruits are more tender and flavourful. Check plants every 1–2 days—they grow very quickly.
How to Harvest Use a sharp knife or garden scissors. Cut the courgette from the plant, leaving 2–3 cm of stem attached. Do not twist or pull, as this can damage the plant.
Harvesting Tips Harvest in the morning, when fruits are firm and crisp. Pick regularly to encourage the plant to produce more fruit. Remove any overgrown fruits to keep the plant productive.
Harvesting Courgette Flowers Pick male flowers (long thin stems, no fruit behind). Harvest early in the morning when fully open. Leave some flowers for fruit production.
After Harvest Care Store courgettes in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not wash until ready to use. Can be frozen or preserved for longer storage.
End-of-Season Tip Harvest all remaining courgettes before the first frost. Even small fruits left on the plant will slow further production.
