Bushy summer squash producing immature fruit picked young. Reliably prolific — three plants will more than feed an average family.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 2–11 | −45.6 °C to 10 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| RHS hardiness rating | H1c | 5 °C to 10 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 2–9 | −40 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–7 | −15 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
As a tender annual, Courgette (Zucchini) doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.
About Courgette (Zucchini)
Courgette and zucchini are the same plant under different names, and both are simply a summer squash picked very young — left on the plant it becomes a marrow. It is a Cucurbita pepo, the same species as many pumpkins and ornamental gourds, which is why they cross readily and why seed saved from a mixed garden gives unpredictable results. The flowers are edible and are usually the male ones, picked with the stem. The plants are heavy feeders and famously productive, going from picking size to marrow in a matter of days in warm weather.
Growing notes
- Bee-pollinated; poor fruit set in poor weather signals low pollinator activity, not the plant's fault
- Pick young (15–20 cm) and often — large fruit shut down flower production
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Courgette (Zucchini) against your zones