When to Plant Courgettes?

When to Plant Zucchini? A Guide for Curious Gardeners

Growing zucchini is wonderfully easy and often produces a bountiful harvest. But, as with many vegetables, planting time is crucial for success. Wondering "when to plant zucchini?" Then you've come to the right place for a fun and clear explanation.

When to plant courgettes in open ground?

Courgettes love warmth. The best time to plant courgettes outdoors is after the last frost, usually around mid-May. In Belgium, this is often around the Ice Saints, when the risk of night frost has almost disappeared.

Ideally, choose a sunny day with a partly cloudy sky to plant them out. Why? Overly bright sunlight can scorch young plants a bit initially, while a light rainy day helps the roots establish in their new location. Ensure well-draining and fertile soil, which you can improve with perlite or pumice for better drainage and airiness.

Distance and care outside

Plant your zucchini 90 to 100 cm apart, because these little guys need space! You can start them indoors or in a cold greenhouse starting in April to give them a head start. After planting, always keep an eye out for snails and slugs and make sure the soil stays moist, especially during warm weeks. Regular watering at the base of the plant works best.

When to plant courgettes in a greenhouse?

Want to get started faster? In that case, a greenhouse is your best friend. You can plant zucchini in a greenhouse as early as mid-April. Make sure your greenhouse is well-ventilated and that the daytime temperature is at least 18°C. Night frost is less of a problem in a greenhouse, but remain vigilant if it suddenly drops below freezing.

Your zucchini will grow faster in a greenhouse and often even produce their first harvest while the plants outdoors are still getting established. Keep in mind, however, that pollination can be more difficult indoors, as there are fewer insects. You can help with a brush by transferring the pollen from one flower to another. It sounds strange, but it works!

Sowing seedlings indoors

For those who really can't wait: sow your zucchini as early as March on a windowsill or in a small greenhouse indoors. Use a nutrient-rich mix like our special potting soil . A quick tip: use a heat mat under the pots for faster germination. Within 5 to 10 days, you'll have tiny sprouts yearning for sunlight.

Tips for a healthy harvest

Once your zucchini is planted, you naturally want them to grow well and ultimately produce an abundance of vegetables. Feed them lightly every week and make sure the soil never dries out completely. Regular watering and feeding is especially important once your plants start producing flowers and fruit.

Courgettes are generous. If you pick them often, the plant will continue to produce new ones. So don't let them get too big, or else production will stop. And let's be honest, smaller courgettes are much tastier, right?

Need more garden inspiration?

Are you completely enthusiastic about growing plants? Then we have some other favorites that pair well with zucchini in the garden or greenhouse. Try pumpkins or eggplant , for example. Or discover our Eggling wild strawberry for your windowsill – super cute, and delicious!

Also, remember to grow plants close together that work well together. Did you know, for example, that basil can keep insects away from your zucchini flowers? And with a good watering can, you can keep everything nicely hydrated without spilling water everywhere.

Ready to get started?

Planting zucchini is your gateway to a greener life—even if you're just starting out! Start slowly, nurture your plants with plenty of love (and therefore water and light), and before you know it, you'll be enjoying homegrown zucchini on your plate.

Want to learn more? Check out our guide on planting time here. Or delve deeper into our plant world and find the perfect houseplants for indoors. Because inside or out... green makes everything better.