Zucchini and other soft-skinned summer squashes are usually pretty easy to grow. But, gardeners do sometimes face struggles with these productive crops. Perhaps your vines stopped producing in mid summer? Or the fruits were small or deformed? Or maybe your plants simply died before producing any fruits? If you found yourself asking why zucchini growing problems struck your garden, this solution guide is for you.
Here are ten reasons why you may have faced zucchini growing problems in the past, and tips for making sure these issues don’t happen again.
Zucchini problem 1: Improper variety selection.
Not all zucchini varieties perform the same. Some are more productive than others, and some are more disease- and pest-resistant. First and foremost, when selecting zucchini varieties for your garden, be sure to seek out disease and pest resistance whenever possible. Varieties with a high level of natural resistance often perform better and produce longer.‘Tigress’, ‘Green Machine’,‘Burpee Golden Glory’, and‘Yellow Fin’are great choices.
Limiting zucchini growing problems starts with selecting the right varieties.
Zucchini problem 2: Squash vine borers.
One of the biggest zucchini growing problems is a pest known as the squash vine borer. Adult vine borers are day-flying moths that are black and red with dark wings. They’re fast flyers, so gardeners don’t often spot them. The damage caused by their larvae, however, is difficult to miss. Squash vine borer larvae feed inside the main stem of the plant, hollowing it out and eventually causing plant death. You’ll see crumbly, sawdust-like waste collected below a small hole at the base of the plant. To prevent squash vine borers, protect the lower portion of the stem with a wrap of aluminum foil (more on this techniquehere), or cover the plants withfloating row coveruntil they come into bloom to keep the female moths away from egg-laying sites.
Adult squash vine borers are day-flying moths that look like large wasps.
Zucchini problem 3: Poor pollination.
Zucchini and other squash are insect pollinated, meaning a bee, beetle, or other pollinator is needed to move the pollen from a separate male flower over to a female flower. If there aren’t enough pollinators present, puny or deformed fruits are the result. If your zucchini are mal-formed and stubby on the blossom end, poor pollination is the most pressing of your zucchini growing problems. To improve pollination rates, plant lots of flowering herbs and annuals in and around your zucchini patch. You can also hand-pollinate the vines by using a paintbrush or your fingertip to transfer pollen from the male flowers to the females (more on how to hand pollinatehere). Another option is to plant a parthenocarpic variety that doesn’t require pollination to set fruit, such as‘Easypick Gold’,‘Partenon’, or ‘Cavili’.
Zucchinis rely on insect pollinators to move the pollen from male to female flowers.
Zucchini problem 4: Powdery mildew.
Powdery mildew is among the most pervasive fungal diseases when it comes to vine crops like zucchini. This pathogen makes the leaves appear to be covered in a talcum powder-like coating. Though it’s primarily an aesthetic issue, severe cases can lead to reduced photosynthesis and reduced production. To overcome powdery mildew, space plants properly – give each one plenty of room so air can circulate and dry off wet foliage. Plant only resistant varieties, such as ‘Anton’,‘Dunja’,‘Astia’, and‘Emerald Delight’, to help combat powdery mildew which is one of the most tenacious zucchini growing problems. Organic fungicides based on potassium bicarbonate (such asGreenCureandBiCarb) are effective as preventatives, as are those based on Bacillus subtilis (such asSerenade).
Powdery mildew is a difficult fungal disease that often strikes zucchini plants.
Zucchini problem 5: Squash bugs.
When it comes to insects that attack squash, none are more difficult to control than squash bugs. These shield-shaped, brown insects suck out plant juices with their needle-like mouthpart, causing stippling, yellowing, and browning of the leaves. The best way to manage squash bugs is to head to the garden every day and inspect the top and bottom of your zucchini leaves for clusters of bronze-colored, football-shaped eggs. Use the sticky side of a piece of duct tape to pick the eggs off the plant and destroy them. Squash bugs are resistant to most pesticides, but very young nymphs can be controlled with applications ofinsecticidal soaporhorticultural oil. OurGuide to Vegetable Garden Pestshas more info on this troublesome insect.
Squash bugs are first seen as clusters of bronze, football-shaped eggs followed by gray nymphs that feed in groups.
Zucchini problem 6: Poor soil.
Zucchini doesn’t require excessively nutrient-rich soil, but it does perform best in soils that are high in organic matter with a soil pH around 6.5. If your pH is too far off that target mark, the plants may fail to produce quality fruit because the soil pH affects the availability of many different nutrients (more on soil pHhere). You can also prevent many zucchini growing problems related to the soil by limiting the amount of nitrogen you add to your garden. Excessive nitrogen produces a lot of green leaves, often at the expense of good fruit production. Use only balanced,organic fertilizerson your zucchini patch and test your soil every few years to ensure it’s healthy and well-balanced.
Give zucchini plants plenty of room to grow and make sure they’re planted in soil that’s rich in organic matter.
Zucchini problem 7: Lack of water.
Zucchini growing problems can also stem from irregular soil moisture levels. If plants are allowed to dry out between waterings, fruit production can be negatively impacted. Drought stress is never good for vegetable crops, and zucchinis require consistent, even soil moisture throughout the growing season. If Mother Nature doesn’t supply your garden with at least one inch of water per week, it’s your job to add supplemental irrigation to prevent any possible issues. A 2-3 inch thick layer of mulch helps stabilize soil moisture levels and can reduce the need to irrigate during the hot summer months. You’ll find more information on proper mulching techniqueshere.
Mulch zucchini well to keep the soil evenly moist. This zucchini patch is mulched with newspaper topped with shredded leaves.
Zucchini problem 8: Blossom end rot.
Zucchini can also be affected by blossom end rot, just like tomatoes and peppers. This physiological disorder causes the blossom end of the fruit to rot into a dark, sunken canker. It’s caused by a calcium deficiency, but it’s the result of inconsistent watering. Calcium can only come into a plant as it absorbs water in through its roots. When there’s no water in the soil to absorb, the plant can’t access calcium either and blossom end rot is the result. To prevent blossom end rot from striking your zucchini, make sure the plants receive ample, consistent applications of water throughout the growing season. Adding more calcium will not solve the problem.
Zucchini problem 9: Bacterial wilt.
Though this pathogen tends to be more problematic on cucumbers, it sometimes strikes zucchini as well. Sadly, this is one of those zucchini growing problems that’s the kiss-of-death when it strikes. Spread by thecucumber beetle, bacterial wilt causes otherwise healthy plants to wilt and die without prior warning. To combat potential problems, keep cucumber beetles in check by trapping them onyellow sticky cardsfastened to stakes just above the tops of the plants.
Growing healthy, productive zucchini happens when you provide plants with everything they need.
Zucchini problem 10: Not enough sun.
Though it isn’t the worst of the zucchini growing problems you might face, lack of sun can definitely affect plant health and production. Zucchini plants need a minimum of six to eight hours of full sun per day. Lower light levels can result in long, lanky plants with pale green foliage and reduced yields. Poor pollination can also be a side effect of light levels that are too low because pollinators tend to prefer foraging in sunnier areas, particularly on cooler days. Select a full-sun site when planting your zucchinis.
Zucchini plants require six to eight hours of full sun per day to perform their best.
Zucchini growing problems don’t have to decimate your crop
Though zucchini growing problems may strike your garden from time to time, with these management tips, you can manage the issues organically and enjoy bushels of delicious zucchini all season long.
For more on growing healthy zucchini, check out these related posts:
Guide to Vegetable Garden Pests
A Handy Guide to Harvesting Vegetables
Types of Landscape Mulch
Types of Landscape Mulch
What challenges have you faced with your zucchini crops and how did you overcome them?
