Courgette ‘Midnight’ | A Unique Variety with Bold Looks and Big Flavour
Introduction: Meet Courgette Midnight – The Dark Star of the Veg Garden
Courgette ‘Midnight’ is a striking, dark-skinned variety of courgette (zucchini) that not only looks beautiful in the garden but also performs exceptionally well in UK growing conditions. With glossy, deep green — almost black — fruits and compact plants that are ideal for smaller spaces, ‘Midnight’ offers flavour, productivity, and a touch of drama to your veg patch.
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Why Choose Courgette ‘Midnight’?
- Unique Appearance – Dark, almost black skins stand out in the garden and on the plate
- Compact Plants – Great for smaller plots or containers
- High Yielding – Regular picking encourages continuous production
- Delicious Flavour – Tender flesh with a subtle, sweet taste
- Excellent for Cooking – Ideal for frying, roasting, grilling, and baking
Key Features of Courgette ‘Midnight’
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Bush variety (non-trailing) |
| Fruit colour | Very dark green, almost black |
| Harvest size | Best at 15–20cm long |
| Time to maturity | 50–60 days from sowing |
| Growing style | Compact, ideal for containers or small beds |
When and How to Grow Courgette ‘Midnight’
? Sowing Time (UK):
- Indoors: April
- Outdoors: Late May to June (after last frost)
? Growing Conditions:
- Full sun and well-drained, fertile soil
- Add compost or well-rotted manure before planting
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
? Spacing:
- Plant 90cm apart in beds or one plant per large container (at least 30–40cm wide)
Caring for Courgette ‘Midnight’
- Water regularly at the base to prevent mildew
- Feed weekly once flowering starts with a tomato or high-potash fertiliser
- Pick courgettes young and regularly to keep the plant productive
- Watch for slugs and snails when plants are young
Harvesting Tips
- Harvest when fruits are 15–20cm long for the best flavour and texture
- Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut courgettes from the plant
- Regular picking encourages more fruit to form
Cooking with Courgette ‘Midnight’
The rich colour and tender texture of ‘Midnight’ courgettes make them perfect for a wide range of dishes:
- Grilled or BBQ’d – Beautiful caramelisation and great visual appeal
- Stuffed – Halve lengthways, scoop, fill, and roast
- In Fritters or Bakes – Adds depth of colour to savoury dishes
- Courgette Chips – Slice thin, bread, and bake or fry
- In Cakes and Muffins – Grated courgette adds moisture without overwhelming the flavour
Benefits of Growing Courgette ‘Midnight’
- Adds visual interest to your veg garden
- Reliable cropping even in cooler UK summers
- Easy to spot against green foliage when harvesting
- Hardy, productive, and beginner-friendly
Common Questions About Courgette ‘Midnight’
Can I grow ‘Midnight’ courgettes in containers?
Yes — they’re compact and well-suited to pots. Use a large, deep container and feed regularly.
Do the dark skins mean they taste different?
The flavour is similar to traditional green courgettes — mild, tender, and slightly sweet — but the colour adds wow factor.
Do they grow as marrows if left?
Yes — like all courgettes, if not picked young, they will grow larger and become more marrow-like in texture.
Conclusion
Courgette ‘Midnight’ is an eye-catching and easy-to-grow variety that brings both beauty and bounty to the vegetable patch. With its compact growth, deep colouring, and tasty, tender fruits, it’s perfect for beginner and experienced gardeners alike. Whether you’re growing in pots, beds, or a small patio garden, ‘Midnight’ offers a delicious harvest that’s as attractive as it is versatile.