Courgette Season UK | When to Grow, Harvest & Enjoy Courgettes
Introduction: The Best Time for British Courgettes
Courgettes (also known as zucchini) are a beloved summer vegetable in the UK, prized for their versatility, ease of growing, and delicate flavour. Whether you’re planting your own or shopping locally, understanding the courgette season in the UK helps you make the most of this tasty crop — from garden to plate.
Keter Manor Outdoor Apex Double Door Garden Storage Shed (6 x 8ft)
A durable and stylish beige and brown garden storage shed perfect for storing garden tools, equipment, bikes, and outdoor essentials. Weather-resistant, low maintenance, and ideal for any garden or allotment setup.
🌱 Compost & Soil Improvers
Give your garden beds a boost before winter with compost and organic matter.
Shop Compost & Soil Improvers
🌿 Autumn Plant Feed & Fertiliser
Prepare your soil for autumn planting with suitable fertilisers and soil nutrients.
Browse Garden Fertilisers
🥬 Seed Trays & Propagation Kits
Keep growing through autumn by starting suitable hardy crops under cover.
Shop Seed Trays
When Is Courgette Season in the UK?
In the UK, courgettes are typically in season from June to September, with the peak harvest occurring in July and August. Thanks to their fast growth and regular production, courgette plants can provide a continuous supply of fruit throughout the summer months.
Courgette Season Timeline
- March–April: Start seeds indoors
- May–June: Transplant outside after the last frost
- June–September: Harvest regularly when fruits reach 10–15cm long
- October: Final pickings before the first frost
Why Eat Courgettes in Season?
- Better Flavour – Fresher, firmer, and more flavourful
- More Affordable – In-season produce is cheaper and more plentiful
- Lower Environmental Impact – Fewer food miles if grown locally
- Nutrient-Rich – Retains more vitamins and minerals when harvested fresh
Growing Courgettes in the UK
Sowing & Planting:
- Start seeds indoors in April
- Transplant outside in late May or early June, once all risk of frost has passed
- Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, well-drained soil
- Courgettes can also be grown in large containers or raised beds
Harvesting Tips:
- Pick courgettes when they’re small and tender (10–15cm)
- Harvest every few days to encourage continued production
- Larger courgettes (called marrows) are edible but can be tougher and have more seeds
Courgette Varieties to Try in the UK
- ‘Defender F1’ – Popular, disease-resistant, and heavy-cropping
- ‘Tondo di Nizza’ – Round courgettes, great for stuffing
- ‘Gold Rush’ – Bright yellow courgettes with a sweet flavour
- ‘Patty Pan’ – Squat, scalloped courgettes with unique shape and taste
How to Use Courgettes During the Season
- Grilled or BBQ’d – Perfect for summer barbecues
- In Bakes and Fritters – Add to savoury muffins or courgette fritters
- In Pasta or Lasagne – Slice into ribbons or layer into vegetarian bakes
- Courgette Cake – Grate into lemon or chocolate cake for extra moisture
- Raw in Salads – Thinly sliced or spiralised with lemon and olive oil
Buying British Courgettes
- Look for firm, shiny, unblemished courgettes in green or yellow
- Choose smaller ones for tenderness and fewer seeds
- Visit local farmers’ markets or farm shops during July–August for the freshest supply
Storage Tips
- Store courgettes in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Keep them dry and unwashed until ready to use
- Avoid airtight plastic bags – store in a paper bag or vegetable drawer
Conclusion
Courgette season in the UK runs from June to September, bringing an abundance of fresh, flavourful veg perfect for light summer meals. Whether you’re growing your own or supporting local farmers, eating courgettes in season means better taste, better value, and better for the planet. With so many ways to cook and enjoy them, courgettes truly are a summer kitchen essential.