Everything you need to know about Courgette seeds
Growing Courgette Seeds: Questions & Answers
How long to courgettes take to grow from seed?
Courgettes take about 8 to 12 weeks to grow from seed to harvest, depending on the growing conditions and the variety. Germination happens within 7-10 days, seedlings develop several true leaves within 2-3 weeks and the plant will produce flowers within 4-6 weeks. After flowering, courgettes can be ready to harvest in about 4-6 weeks.
When is the best time to plant courgette seeds?
The best time to plant courgette seeds is in the late spring to early summer, after the last frost date. Sow courgette seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed. This is typically from late May to early June, depending on your local climate. If you want to get a head start, you can start seeds indoors about 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date.
Do you need to soak courgette seeds before planting?
Courgette seeds do not need to be soaked before planting. However, soaking them for a few hours before planting can help speed up germination. Soaking the seeds softens the seed coat, allowing moisture to penetrate more easily, which can lead to quicker and more uniform sprouting. If you do choose to soak the seeds, make sure to plant them immediately after soaking.
How deep do you plant courgette seeds?
Courgette seeds should be planted about 2.5 cm deep. Planting them at this depth ensures they are well-covered with soil, which helps retain moisture and provides the darkness needed for germination. Make sure to water the soil thoroughly after planting to keep it consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
Can you grow courgettes indoors?
Yes, you can grow courgettes indoors! While they prefer the outdoors and lots of space, with the right conditions, you can successfully cultivate them indoors. Make sure to give them ample sunlight, plenty of growing room (use large containers), consistent warmth and regular fertilization.
How many courgettes can you get from one seed?
A healthy courgette plant can produce anywhere from 6 to 10 or more courgettes per plant. It's important to harvest courgettes regularly when they are young and tender. This encourages the plant to continue producing more fruit.
Why are my courgette seeds not germinating?
Make sure you are giving them warmth, consistent water (soil should be moist not soggy), and good quality soil with sufficient nutrients. Old or damaged seeds also may have trouble germinating and seeds planted too deep might not have the energy to reach the surface.
Do all courgette flowers turn into courgettes?
No, not all courgette flowers turn into courgettes. Courgette plants produce two types of flowers: male and female. Male flowers do not produce fruit. Their main purpose is to produce pollen for pollination. Female flowers have a small courgette at the base. If pollinated successfully, this will grow into a full-sized courgette.
You can carefully remove large courgette leaves to improve air circulation and prevent diseases, but avoid cutting too many leaves, especially near the growing tips, as they are crucial for the plant's health and fruit production.
Overwatered courgette plants often exhibit clear signs of distress, including yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. If the soil remains persistently wet, root rot can develop, leading to a decline in plant health and reduced fruit production.
How can you tell if a courgette flower is male or female?
To determine if a courgette flower is male or female, examine the base of the blossom. Male flowers have a thin stem without a bulge, while female flowers have a small, immature courgette at the base, resembling a tiny zucchini.