UK sowing calendar
When to sow courgettes in the UK
Courgettes sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Apr-May |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Direct sow late May-Jun |
| Harvest | Jul-Oct |
Tender, so start indoors mid-Apr-mid-May or direct sow outdoors from late May/early June once the last frost has passed. Just one or two plants crop heavily; pick fruits young at 10-12cm.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for courgettes.
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When to sow courgettes in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow courgettes in the UK?
Sow courgettes under cover Apr-May, then outdoors direct sow late may-jun. Tender, so start indoors mid-Apr-mid-May or direct sow outdoors from late May/early June once the last frost has passed. Just one or two plants crop heavily; pick fruits young at 10-12cm.
Can you sow courgettes outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant courgettes outdoors direct sow late may-jun. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is courgettes ready to harvest in the UK?
Courgettes is typically harvested Jul-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow courgettes?
It depends on the month and your region. Courgettes has a UK outdoor window of direct sow late may-jun; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.