Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Count the hours of direct sun the plant receives.
- Check the fertilizer label for nitrogen levels.
- Look for tiny buds hiding under the large leaves.
Likely causes
Insufficient Sunlight
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant looks leggy and has very few or no flower buds.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun. If it is in the ground, ensure no tall plants are shading it.
Excess Nitrogen
PossibleHow to tell: The plant has huge, lush green leaves but no flowers.
What to do: Stop using high nitrogen fertilizers. Switch to a balanced fertilizer or one higher in phosphorus to encourage blooming.
When to worry
It is normal for young plants to focus on leaf growth first. Worry if the plant is mature and has been in the ground for over 6 weeks without buds.
Stopping it coming back
Provide full sun and use a balanced fertilizer designed for vegetables.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your courgette.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Do I need two plants for flowers?
- No, courgettes have both male and female flowers on the same plant. You just need one healthy plant.
- Why are my flowers falling off?
- This is often due to poor pollination or extreme heat. Try hand pollinating if you do not see many bees.
More problems with Courgette
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.