| Annual or perennial | Annual |
| Difficulty | Easy – very productive |
| Height | 40-60cm; spreading to 1m+ |
| Spacing | 60-90cm |
| Harvest window | July to October |
Courgette is one of the most reliably productive vegetables you can grow – often comically so. A single well-placed plant in a good summer can supply a family with more courgettes than they can eat. It is large, beautiful, and fast. Perfect for beginners.
Which variety to grow
‘Patio Star’ and ‘Midnight’ are compact varieties good for smaller spaces and containers. ‘Black Beauty’ and ‘Defender’ are classic reliable producers. Yellow varieties (‘Golden Delight’, ‘Soleil’) look spectacular and have a slightly milder flavour. Round varieties like ‘Eight Ball’ are excellent for stuffing. For a first-time grower, any named variety from a reputable seed company will perform well.
When to plant
Sow indoors in late April or early May at 18-20 degrees. Courgettes grow fast and should not be started too early – 3-4 weeks before the last frost date is ideal. Direct sow outdoors from late May once the soil has warmed. Plant out after all frost risk has passed, mid-May to early June in Alsace.
How many to grow
One or two plants is genuinely enough for a family – and possibly more than enough. Courgettes are famous for their exuberant production. Three plants and you will be leaving bags of courgettes on neighbours’ doorsteps by August. Start with two.
Conditions it needs
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
- Soil type: Rich, moisture-retentive. Dig a large planting hole and fill it with well-rotted compost.
- Space: Courgettes spread widely – allow at least 1m around each plant.
Container growing
Possible in very large containers (at least 50 litres) but space is the real constraint. Compact varieties like ‘Patio Star’ were specifically bred for container growing. Water every day in hot weather – courgettes in containers are very thirsty.
How to care for it
Water consistently and generously at the base, not overhead. Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed every two weeks with a balanced fertiliser once fruiting starts. Hand-pollinate the flowers with a soft brush if fruit fails to set (courgettes need both male and female flowers present).
Propagation
Direct sow or start in pots each year. Seeds are large and easy to handle. Save seeds from fully mature, over-sized courgettes (let one go yellow and huge on the plant) – scoop out, rinse, dry thoroughly, and store in a cool dry place.
Watch out
Courgettes hide under their large leaves and can go from perfect to enormous marrow size in 48 hours. Check plants every single day once fruiting starts. Small courgettes (10-15cm) have the best texture and flavour. A courgette the size of your arm is technically edible but has a watery, seedy texture and is best stuffed or grated into cakes.
Companion planting
Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects and deter aphids. Marigolds help with pest control. Sweetcorn, beans, and courgette form the traditional Three Sisters planting – each supports the others. Avoid planting near potatoes.
Problems to watch for
- Powdery mildew: White coating on leaves in late summer, especially in dry conditions. Water at the base and improve airflow. Almost inevitable by September.
- Poor fruit set: Fruits start then rot at the tip – usually pollination failure. Hand-pollinate or wait for more pollinators.
- Slugs: Seedlings are vulnerable. Protect with copper tape or pellets.
When and how to harvest
Harvest courgettes when they are 10-20cm long for the best eating. Cut cleanly with a knife or scissors – do not pull. Harvest every 1-2 days once production peaks. The flowers are also edible and beautiful – harvest male flowers (no swelling at the base) without reducing fruit set.
How to store
- Fresh: Refrigerate for up to a week.
- Grated and frozen: Grate, squeeze out excess water, and freeze in portions for use in baking and sauces all winter.
- Pickled: Slice thin, pickle in white wine vinegar with herbs – a great way to use a glut.
In the kitchen
Savory
Ratatouille, pasta, risotto, fritters, stuffed courgettes with rice and herbs, courgette and feta tart, grilled with olive oil and herbs, courgette soup, tricolore salad with courgette ribbons. Courgette flowers are spectacular stuffed with ricotta and herbs, then fried lightly in olive oil.
Sweet
Courgette cake with lemon and poppy seeds is genuinely excellent – the vegetable creates a moist crumb. Courgette bread with walnuts. Grated courgette in muffins. Don’t be put off by the concept – it works.
Drinks
Courgette is not typically used in drinks, but blended courgette with cucumber, mint, and lemon makes a refreshing cold green juice.