Blossom End Rot in Courgette
Courgettes (zucchini) are incredibly productive summer squash — one plant can produce an abundant harvest all season. A physiological disorder — not a disease — that causes the bottom of fruits to turn dark, sunken, and leathery. Most common in tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, and aubergines.
Courgette care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to blossom end rot in Courgette. Check each one as a potential cause.
Symptoms to look for in Courgette
- fiber_manual_recordDark, sunken, water-soaked patch at the blossom end of fruit
- fiber_manual_recordPatch turning brown or black and leathery as it dries
- fiber_manual_recordAffects developing fruits, not the whole plant
- fiber_manual_recordHealthy-looking foliage despite affected fruit
Common causes in Courgette
- fiber_manual_recordCalcium deficiency in the developing fruit
- fiber_manual_recordInconsistent watering disrupting calcium uptake
- fiber_manual_recordOver-fertilising with nitrogen or potassium blocking calcium
- fiber_manual_recordRoot damage from over-cultivation near the plant
- fiber_manual_recordWaterlogged or compacted soil limiting root function
How to diagnose blossom end rot in Courgette
The distinctive dark sunken patch at the base of fruits is the key sign. Soil calcium is rarely actually low — the problem is usually that the plant cannot take it up fast enough due to irregular watering.
How to treat blossom end rot in Courgette
Remove affected fruits. Foliar spray with calcium chloride solution can help in the short term. Most importantly, stabilise watering to ensure consistent calcium delivery to developing fruits.
Preventing blossom end rot in Courgette
Water deeply and consistently. Mulch to retain moisture. Avoid excess nitrogen. Do not disturb roots during the growing season. Add lime to acidic soils before planting.