Growing Zucchini, also Courgette/Marrow, Summer squash

Cucurbita pepo : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
      T                
      P P P            

(Best months for growing Zucchini in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 70°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 - 35 inches apart
  • Harvest in 6-9 weeks. Cut the fruit often to keep producing.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Corn, beans, nasturtiums, parsley, Silverbeet, Tomatoes
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

14 Mar 21, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
If you mean when do you start zucchini seedlings, specifically, the chart says you should start them in September in your zone.
12 Mar 21, Anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Work out your climate zone from the Blue Tab across the top of the page. Then go to the vegie you want to grow to find out when to plant the seeds. Use the monthly calendar for when to plant seeds or seedlings. With little seeds like cabbage it may be better to buy seedlings. Do some research on the internet about growing vegies -
19 Dec 20, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
I have been growing zucchini for past couple of years. Vines grow big ang healthy, the fruit grow to a couple of inches, and then begin to yellow, wither and die. I am not sure if it's lack of pollination or something else. I garden organically and while I have not planted flowers next to zucchinis there are flowers not too far away. Any clues, I'd love to hear. Thank you, in advance.
22 Dec 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Probably no bees in your garden/area. Check your flowers between 7-11am in the morning to see if any bees. If no bees consider growing plants/flowers that attract bees, flies, birds. Zucchinis are easy to hand pollinate in the morning. You should have noticed that some flowers have a little zucchini - female and some don't - male. Break off the male flower, pull off the flower part and rub the pollen onto the female flower. Google how to do it if unsure.
22 Dec 20, Margaret Phillips (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I have exactly the same problem! I live in a sub tropics.Originally had two zucchini plants ,but just as I was getting excited about having grown some great zucchini,it up and died on me. I use a sprinkler system and was recently told zucchini’s don’t like to get wet leaves. Melons have also been a failure. Any tips welcome. Thanks Marg
16 Nov 21, Jason (Australia - temperate climate)
I've noticed with pumpkin (and I asdyme zucchini) they basically have to be pollinated from another plant of the same species. Make sure you buy 2 or 3 plants. I tried several years just having 1 pumpkin plant and hand pollinating itself, with pollination always failing. Now I usually hand pollinate zucchini and pumpkin in mornings by taking the male flower from one and pollinating the female flowers on other plants and vice versa. It worked really well last season and seems to be working well this year with blackjack zucchs.
01 Dec 20, adrian (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
what is the best way to cook and eat zucchini's.
08 Dec 20, Gabriella Hont (Australia - temperate climate)
Try spiralizing them and use zucchini instead of spaghetti with your favourite pasta sauce.
24 Aug 20, Dave (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I cannot seem to get my zucchini to grow. The leaves keep wilting and dying off and so do the sprouts from below. We have a raised compost garden with tomatoes and bell peppers. It has been VERY hot this summer so perhaps I should be watering more? At what times should I water to help the plants the most? Thank you in advance.
25 Aug 20, Anon (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Take a look at the top of the page at the monthly planting guide, plant Feb Mar April. A lot of vegetables are seasonal so plant at the right time to get the best results. When watering, water low on the edge of the plant not above the flower and do it in the morning. A good watering 3 times a week.
Showing 31 - 40 of 356 comments

My Zucchinis sprouted about 10 days ago. They have grown new leaves and the whole plant is yellow. Zucchinis are planted in heavily composted ground. Anyone with suggestions to get them to green up? TIA. Cheers Pete

- Pete

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