How to Grow Zucchini

Zucchini is Also Known As

Courgette, Summer Squash, or Marrow

Zucchinis are generally harvested when they are still immature and tender, however the full grown zucchini is often referred to as a marrow. Zucchini can range in color from dark green to bright yellow, and come in both striped and plain varieties.

This fruit, though treated as a vegetable in the culinary world, is not the only edible part of the plant. Zucchini flowers are also widely used both as a garnish or stuffed and fried. For small spaces or container gardening we recommend the ‘Black Beauty’ variety, as it is a compact bush type that does not sprawl as much as most other varieties.

To eliminate the guesswork in selecting the right size containers for your plants, we’ve put together a list of commonly grown herbs, veggies, fruit and flowers along with the minimum pot sizes required by each.

Starting a container garden? Grab my free guide on choosing the best sized pots for each veggie, fruit, and herb in your container garden – Veggie Garden Potting Guide

 

Planting Zucchini

When you grow zucchini from seed, it’s important to keep in mind that the seeds require warm soil in order to sprout. Therefore, it is best to start them indoors and transplant them outdoors in late May to early June depending on your zone. Alternatively, zucchini can be planted directly outside in late May to early June.

In a large sized pot of at least 12″ diameter, sow 3 seeds together, then cover with 2 cm (1″) of soil. Seeds should sprout in 7-14 days. Leave only the strongest seedling, snipping off the rest as soil level.

If growing in very larger containers or in the ground, make sure to leave at least 45 cm (18″) between plants as zucchini can get very large and tend to sprawl. However, keep in mind that zucchini plants are very productive, and one is often enough to provide for a whole family.

 

Watering Zucchini

Keep well watered, watering at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet (which can cause disease to take hold). Zucchini plants tend to be very thirsty, so you will likely need to water it often, especially during the hottest months.

 

Where Can I Grow It?

Grow zucchini outdoors in a bright sunny location, as zucchini plants tend to spread out and sprawl while growing quite large. Though not required for successful growing, it can be beneficial to trellis your zucchini plants in order to save space and keep the developing fruit off the ground.

 

Zucchini Growing Tips

Harvest zucchinis regularly to encourage the plant to keep on producing.

Zucchini plants are heavy feeders, and therefore need fertilizing to produce well. Work granulated fertilizer into the soil when planting, or water with an all purpose liquid fertilizer every few weeks.

 

Companion Planting

It is beneficial to grow zucchini along with beans, radishes, marigolds, nasturtium, okra, catnip and corn. Marigolds and nasturtium are especially helpful because they repel squash bugs that are attracted to and feed on zucchini plants.