In the UK, sow courgette seed indoors April–May at 18–20°C, plant out from late May once frost risk has passed, and harvest July to October — pick at 10–15cm every 1–2 days to keep plants cropping.
A quick SoilCommander video on growing courgettes at home in UK conditions — sowing, spacing, care and harvest in under a minute.
Last updated 4 July 2026
How to Grow Courgettes in the UK: Complete Growing Guide
Courgettes (zucchini) are prolific, easy-to-grow vegetables that thrive in the UK climate. With their vigorous growth and abundant harvests, a few plants can keep you supplied with fresh courgettes throughout summer.
| Task | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | April – May | 18–20°C; sow on edge in individual pots |
| Plant out | Late May – June | After last frost; harden off first |
| Harvest | July – October | Pick regularly at 10–15cm to keep plants cropping |
Regional Planting Notes
Cooler regions get more reliable crops starting seed indoors rather than direct-sowing — the Met Office notes the last frost can extend into June further north, so Scotland and northern England growers should plant out later than the southern late-May date.
Not sure when to sow? See our When to Plant Courgettes UK →
Watch our step-by-step guide to growing courgettes in the UK — from sowing seeds indoors to harvesting a bumper crop all summer long.
🌱 Did you know? A single courgette plant can produce up to 30 fruits in one season if harvested regularly!
Quick Growing Facts
- Sowing Time: April to May indoors; May to June outdoors
- Harvest Time: July to October
- Growing Time: 8-12 weeks from sowing to first harvest
- Difficulty: Easy
- Position: Full sun, sheltered
When to Sow Courgettes
- Indoor sowing: April-May in pots or modules for transplanting after last frost
- Outdoor sowing: Late May-June when soil has warmed and frost risk has passed
- Transplanting: Plant out in late May-early June after hardening off
- Succession sowing: Sow 2-3 times at 2-week intervals for extended harvest
Soil Preparation
- Soil type: Rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil
- Add organic matter: Dig in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost
- Create planting pockets: Dig holes 30cm deep and wide, fill with compost
- pH level: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0)
- Warm soil: Ensure soil temperature is at least 12°C before planting out
Planting Out
- Harden off: Acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days
- After last frost: Plant out only when all frost risk has passed (late May-early June)
- Spacing: Space plants 90cm apart in all directions
- Water well: Water thoroughly after planting
- Protect initially: Use cloches or fleece for first few weeks if weather is cool
Ongoing Care
- Watering: Water generously and regularly, especially when flowering and fruiting; aim for 20 litres per plant per week in dry weather
- Feeding: Feed weekly with high-potash liquid fertiliser once flowering begins
- Mulching: Apply thick mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Support fruits: Place a tile or board under fruits to prevent rotting on damp soil
Common Problems
Poor fruit set: Often due to lack of pollinating insects. Hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male flowers (thin stem) to female flowers (swollen base) using a soft brush.
Powdery mildew: White powdery coating on leaves. Ensure good air circulation, water at base of plants, and remove affected leaves.
Rotting fruits: Caused by contact with damp soil or poor pollination. Raise fruits off ground.
Slugs and snails: Can damage young plants. Protect with barriers, traps, or organic pellets.
Harvesting Courgettes
- Timing: First harvest usually 8-12 weeks after sowing
- Size: Harvest when 10-15cm long for best flavour — the RHS notes that letting fruit oversize signals the plant to stop producing
- Pick regularly: Check plants every 2-3 days and harvest all ready fruits
- Cut cleanly: Use a sharp knife to cut fruits with a short stem attached
Recommended Varieties
- Defender: F1 hybrid, high yields, good disease resistance
- Black Beauty: Classic dark green variety, reliable and productive
- Romanesco: Italian ribbed variety with excellent flavour
- Gold Rush: Bright yellow fruits, attractive and tasty
- Patio Star: Compact variety ideal for containers
Plan Your Vegetable Garden
The SoilCommander UK Vegetable Garden Planner covers every crop, every month — designed for UK gardens and allotments.
Get the UK Garden Planner →Browse sowing dates for all crops in the UK vegetable planting calendar or explore all UK vegetable growing guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren't my courgettes producing fruit?
Cool weather during flowering causes poor pollination — fruits fail to form or rot when very small. Hand-pollinate flowers if bees are scarce.
How often should courgettes be picked?
Every 1–2 days at 10–15cm — leaving fruit to grow larger signals the plant to slow down production.
Why do my courgette leaves have white powdery patches?
That's powdery mildew, common from midsummer onward — improve airflow with wider spacing and water at the base, not over the leaves.
Last updated 4 July 2026
Tools That Help With This Crop
Use these links when the guide moves from reading into sowing, planting, watering, and keeping the crop healthy.
Plan the next step
Use the printable UK Vegetable Garden Planner to turn this guide into sowing dates, bed layouts, and weekly garden tasks.