When to Harvest Courgettes

Courgettes are ready to harvest once the fruit reaches a usable size. Harvesting regularly helps plants continue producing more courgettes throughout the growing season.

In the UK, courgettes are usually harvested during summer, depending on planting time and weather conditions.

Picking courgettes while they are still young usually produces the best flavour and texture.

Signs courgettes are ready to harvest

Courgettes are usually ready when:

• fruit is smooth and firm

• skin looks glossy

• courgettes are medium-sized

Very large courgettes can become watery and less tender.

Harvesting courgettes carefully

Use scissors or secateurs to cut courgettes from the plant.

Avoid pulling fruit off the stem.

Regular harvesting encourages plants to produce more courgettes.

Harvesting container courgettes

Courgettes growing in containers can be harvested in the same way as garden-grown plants.

For container advice, see growing courgettes in containers.

Courgette harvest season in the UK

Most courgette plants begin producing fruit in mid-summer and continue through warm weather.

Frequent harvesting helps plants stay productive.

For planting advice, see when to plant courgettes in the UK.

For growing advice, see how to grow courgettes in the UK.