Plant Type: Vigorous bush producing tender, small green/grey fruits
Harvesting: Best harvested when fruits are 8 cm or less in size
How to Grow Zucchini from Seed
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Life Cycle: Annual
Sowing Instructions:
Best Time to Sow: Warm season crop; sow seeds after the last frost has passed
Preparation: Grow in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil
Sowing: Plant seeds directly into the garden, 20 mm deep, and 50 cm apart with 80 cm spacing between rows
Germination: Takes 7-14 days at soil temperatures between 21-35°C
Protection: Protect young seedlings from pests, pets, and weather until well-established
Indoor Sowing: In cooler climates, sow indoors 6 weeks before the last expected frost
How to Care for Zucchini Plants
Watering: Water when soil is dry about 5 cm below the surface. Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding wetting the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases
Fertilizing: If the soil is well-prepared, no additional fertilizer is needed. In poor soils, apply a balanced fertilizer or one designed for fruit and vegetables:
Apply slow-release fertilizer at transplanting or when seedlings reach 5-10 cm
Use liquid fertilizer during fruiting or flowering
Harvesting Zucchini
When to Harvest: When the skin is glossy, and the fruit is young and tender, typically at around 8 cm
Harvesting Method: Cut the fruit from the vine or bush, leaving a small amount of stem attached
Storage: For short-term storage, keep the fruit in the fridge. For long-term storage, zucchini can be frozen, canned, or pickled
