Courgette
How do you sow courgettes under cover?
Start courgettes under cover in individual pots of seed compost, usually in April or early May in a temperate climate. Adjust the timing to your local conditions so that the plants do not have to wait too long before planting out. Sow one seed per pot, on its side, about 1–1.5 cm deep. Keep the compost moist without waterlogging it and provide around 18–21 °C for germination.
Once the seedlings emerge, remove any propagator lid and give them plenty of light. Gradually acclimatise the young plants to outdoor conditions before planting them out, once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Keep the root ball intact and choose a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Allow at least 90 cm between plants, or more if the variety needs it.
A pot about 7.5 cm across is suitable to start with. Check that it has drainage holes and allow surplus water to escape after watering. Watch root growth: if the roots fill the pot before outdoor conditions are suitable for planting, move the whole root ball into a larger container without breaking it apart.
Can courgettes be sown outdoors?
Sow courgettes outdoors once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. In a temperate climate, this is often in late May or early June, but adapt the timing to your local conditions. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, well-drained soil enriched with mature compost or well-rotted manure.
Sow two or three seeds about 2–3 cm deep at each site, leaving at least 90 cm between sites, or more according to the variety. After germination, keep only the strongest seedling at each site. Water to keep the soil moist without waterlogging it and remove competing weeds. Protect young plants from slugs and snails; if you use a cover, remove it in time to allow pollinators to reach the flowers.
Prepare the sowing sites a few weeks ahead so the soil can settle after adding organic matter. Leave space on every side, as the broad leaves spread widely and can shade nearby small crops. If you cover the seeds with a cloche, monitor the temperature and ventilate it in sunny weather to prevent excessive heat around the young shoots.
How do you plant courgettes?
Plant young courgette plants outdoors once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Gradually acclimatise plants raised under cover to outdoor conditions before planting them. Choose a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil enriched with mature compost. Allow at least 90 cm between plants, or more according to the variety.
Water the root ball before carefully removing the plant from its pot. Keep the roots intact, plant at the same depth as in the pot, gently firm the soil and water around the base. Protect young plants from slugs and snails. Once the soil is warm, add mulch while keeping it away from the base of the stem, and water regularly during dry spells, especially while the plants are fruiting.
For container growing, choose a compact variety and a pot at least 45 cm wide with drainage holes. Place one plant in the centre in compost suitable for container vegetables. The large leaves remain exposed to wind, and the compost dries more quickly than garden soil: put the container in a sheltered position and check its moisture often while the plant establishes.
How do you harvest courgettes?
Pick your courgettes while they are young and tender. For long-fruited varieties, around 10–15 cm is a useful guide rather than a strict limit; for round varieties, follow the variety's guidance. Check the plants regularly, as the fruits grow quickly. The start and length of the harvest depend on the sowing date, variety and weather, rather than a fixed May-to-September season.
Cut the fruit stalk cleanly with a sharp knife or secateurs without damaging the main stem. Regular picking encourages the plant to produce more fruits. Use the courgettes soon after picking or keep them in the fridge for a few days, checking their condition. If you have a surplus, you can prepare portions for freezing and use them later in cooked dishes.
Gently lift the large leaves to find fruits hidden near the centre of the plant. Support each courgette with one hand while cutting its stalk rather than pulling or twisting it off. Place the harvest carefully in a basket without dropping fruits on top of one another, as their young skins bruise easily. An overlooked fruit can quickly become very large and slow subsequent production.
Courgette
- Type : Vegetables
- Subtype : Fruiting vegetables
- Botanical Family : Cucurbits
Characteristics
- Lifecycle : Annual
- Exposure : Full Sun
- Frost Hardiness : Frost Sensitive
- Cultivation Difficulty : Easy
- Mature height : 60 cm
Sowing & Planting
- Greenhouse Growing : Not Required
- Sowing Depth : 2 cm
- Plant Spacing : 100 cm
- Row Spacing : 100 cm
Maintenance
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Water Requirements : High
Other characteristics
- Soil Type : Humus-rich
- Soil pH Preference : Neutral
- Pest Sensitivity : Moderate
- Disease Sensitivity : Moderate
- Weed Sensitivity : Moderate
- Pollination : Insect-pollinated
- Propagation : Sowing