How To Grow Menu| Zucchini Varieties
When to Plant
Sow directly into the garden once the danger of frost has passed or for an earlier crop, start indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost using 3-4” Jiffy peat pots and make sure to weather/harden off the plants before setting them in the ground.
Location/Soil
Best when planted in a rich, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Transplants should only go into the garden once soil is completely warmed.
Planting & Growing Information
Sow seeds 2.5 cm (1″) deep and sow 5-6 seeds per hill or 5 cm (2″) apart. Plants should be spaced/thinned to 2 or 3 of the strongest plants per hill or 15 cm (6″) apart. Rows should be spaced 1.5-1.8 m (5-6′) apart. Seeds germinate in approximately 5-12 days.
Days to Maturity
From date directly sown in garden.
Other Information
Keep soil adequately moist throughout the season and give plants a nice deep watering once a week.
Water around the base of the plant and be careful to avoid splashing dirt onto the leaves which can transfer diseases from the soil to the plants.
Harvesting & Storage
For best quality and flavor, zucchinis should be harvested when young. Most varieties are best picked when fruits are approximately 10-20 cm (4-8”) long.
Regular harvesting will increase the yield.
Zucchinis that get overly large are perfectly suited for muffins and breads.
Like other summer squashes, zucchinis do not keep for a long time. Refrigerate and use within a week.
Companion Planting
Likes: beans, corn, peas, marigolds, nasturtiums, radish
