How to Grow Courgettes: Tips, Facts, and Information

Courgettes, also known as zucchini, are a versatile and prolific crop that’s easy to grow and perfect for home gardens. They’re fast-growing and produce an abundance of fruit throughout the summer, providing plenty for fresh eating, grilling, baking, and even freezing. Whether you prefer the classic green courgettes or more unique yellow and round varieties, courgettes are a rewarding addition to any vegetable patch. Here’s a guide to the top 20 courgette varieties, along with essential growing tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Courgette Varieties to Grow

1. Black Beauty

Tips: Black Beauty courgettes thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant after the last frost and water regularly for best results.
Facts: This classic variety produces dark green, glossy fruits and is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for grilling, sautéing, or baking.

2. Gold Rush

Tips: Plant Gold Rush courgettes in full sun and fertile soil. Water consistently and harvest regularly to encourage more fruit production.
Facts: Known for its vibrant yellow color, Gold Rush has a sweet, mild flavor and tender flesh, making it great for fresh salads, grilling, or baking.

3. Ronde de Nice

Tips: Ronde de Nice grows best in rich, well-drained soil with full sun. Plant seeds in late spring and water regularly.
Facts: This French heirloom variety produces small, round fruits with a tender, nutty flavor. It’s perfect for stuffing and grilling.

4. Tondo di Piacenza

Tips: Tondo di Piacenza prefers full sun and moist, fertile soil. Sow seeds in late spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: This Italian variety produces round, green courgettes with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s ideal for stuffing or slicing into salads.

5. Cocozelle

Tips: Cocozelle grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in late spring after the last frost and water consistently.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety has striped green fruits with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s great for grilling, frying, or baking.

6. Costata Romanesco

Tips: Costata Romanesco thrives in full sun and fertile soil. Water consistently and plant seeds after the last frost for best results.
Facts: Known for its ribbed, dark green skin, this Italian variety has a rich, nutty flavor and is perfect for grilling or adding to pasta dishes.

7. Yellow Scallop

Tips: Yellow Scallop courgettes grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late spring for a bountiful summer harvest.
Facts: This unique variety has a bright yellow, scalloped shape and a mild, sweet flavor. It’s ideal for grilling, roasting, or using in stir-fries.

8. Floridor

Tips: Floridor prefers full sun and rich soil. Water consistently and plant seeds in late spring after the last frost.
Facts: This yellow, round courgette is perfect for stuffing or roasting. It has a sweet, delicate flavor and smooth skin.

9. Patio Star

Tips: Patio Star is ideal for growing in containers or small spaces. Plant in full sun and water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Facts: This compact, bushy variety produces dark green fruits and is perfect for small gardens. It has a tender texture and mild flavor.

10. Striato di Napoli

Tips: Striato di Napoli grows best in full sun and fertile soil. Plant seeds in late spring and water regularly.
Facts: This Italian variety has dark green fruits with light green stripes and a sweet, mild flavor, making it perfect for grilling or sautéing.

11. Eight Ball

Tips: Eight Ball courgettes prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late spring and harvest when fruits are small and round.
Facts: Known for its round, ball-shaped fruits, Eight Ball is great for stuffing and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

12. Tromboncino

Tips: Tromboncino grows best with full sun and a trellis for vertical growth. Plant seeds in rich, well-drained soil after the last frost.
Facts: This unique variety has long, curved fruits with a mild, sweet flavor. It can be harvested young as a summer courgette or left to mature as a winter squash.

13. Parador

Tips: Parador thrives in full sun and fertile, moist soil. Plant seeds in late spring and water consistently.
Facts: This yellow courgette has a sweet, mild flavor and is perfect for grilling, baking, or adding to fresh salads.

14. Grey Zucchini

Tips: Grey Zucchini grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds after the last frost and water regularly.
Facts: This variety produces light green, speckled fruits with a tender texture and mild flavor. It’s ideal for stir-fries and grilling.

15. Lebanese Zucchini

Tips: Lebanese Zucchini grows well in full sun and moist, fertile soil. Plant seeds in late spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: This variety has pale green, cylindrical fruits with a sweet, nutty flavor, making it perfect for stuffing or roasting.

16. Magda

Tips: Magda grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly and plant seeds after the last frost.
Facts: This light green variety has a sweet, nutty flavor and a tender texture, making it great for grilling, roasting, or adding to stews.

17. Zephyr

Tips: Zephyr prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late spring and water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Facts: This bi-colored courgette has a unique yellow body with a green blossom end. It has a firm texture and sweet, nutty flavor, perfect for grilling or frying.

18. Caserta

Tips: Caserta grows best in full sun and fertile soil. Plant seeds in late spring and water consistently.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety has light green, striped fruits with a tender texture and mild flavor, ideal for grilling or baking.

19. Partenon

Tips: Partenon is a parthenocarpic variety, meaning it doesn’t require pollination to produce fruit. Plant in full sun and water regularly for the best yield.
Facts: This early-maturing variety produces smooth, dark green fruits with a sweet, mild flavor, perfect for grilling or using in casseroles.

20. Golden Glory

Tips: Golden Glory grows well in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently and plant seeds after the last frost.
Facts: This yellow courgette has a sweet, mild flavor and is perfect for adding color to salads or grilling. It has a firm texture and smooth skin.

Common Questions About Growing Courgettes

Q: When should I plant courgettes?
A: Courgettes should be planted in late spring, after the last frost, when the soil has warmed to at least 70°F. They need plenty of sunlight and warm weather to thrive.

Q: Can I grow courgettes in containers?
A: Yes, courgettes can be grown in containers as long as the pots are at least 12-16 inches deep and have good drainage. Varieties like Patio Star are ideal for container gardening.

Q: How long do courgettes take to grow?
A: Courgettes grow quickly and can be ready for harvest in as little as 50-60 days, depending on the variety. Harvest when the fruits are young and tender for the best flavor.

Q: How do I know when to harvest courgettes?
A: Courgettes are best harvested when they are small, about 6-8 inches long for cylindrical varieties or about 3-4 inches in diameter for round varieties. Harvest regularly to encourage more fruit production.

Q: How do I store courgettes after harvesting?
A: Courgettes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you have an abundant harvest, they can also be frozen or used in preserves like pickles or chutney.