Courgette
Ready to harvest
Courgette (Cucurbita pepo), called ‘zucchini’ in Australia and North America, is a fast-growing and prolific summer squash, one that is closely related but not identical to the marrow.
What it's used for
A versatile crop, it can be grated into fritters, sliced into ratatouille, stuffed and baked, or spiralised into ‘courgetti’. The flowers are also edible and are especially tasty when stuffed and fried.
Grow your own at home
Courgette needs to be planted in a sunny spot, one which has rich soil and can be consistently watered. One or two plants will usually keep a household well supplied.
It’s best sown between April and May under cover, and planted out after frosts.
The best harvest time is from July to September. Regularly pick the courgettes while they are small (15 to 20 cm), to keep the plants productive.
Our planting guides are designed to help you get the best from your fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Every garden is unique, so growing conditions, weather, soil, and climate can affect results. Use this information as a helpful guide, and adapt it to suit your local conditions and gardening experience. Happy growing!
