Zucchini Growing Guide

Cucurbita pepo

Zucchini

Crop Rotation Group

Cucurbits (Squash family) 

Soil

Well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Cannot tolerate frost.

Feeding

Drench plants with a liquid fertilizer when they begin to blossom and set fruits.

Spacing

Single Plants: 1' 11" (60cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 1' 11" (60cm) with 1' 11" (60cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1 inch deep in spring, either in rows or hills. Also may be started from seedlings started indoors or purchased at stores.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Keep plantings small, to fewer than a dozen plants. Other types of summer squash help pollinate one another because they are of the same species.

Harvesting

Harvest zucchini when they are young and tender, about 6 inches long, before the rinds begin to harden. Use a knife to cut fruits from the plants.

Troubleshooting

Squash bugs and squash vine borers can be serious pests. Exclude them from young plantings with row covers.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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