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

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07 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes - a light raking around the plant and water it in.But next time when preparing the soil add a bit a week or so before you plant. When preparing my soil I now put the following on. Some compost/mulch, lime, trace elements, some extra phosphate, some Epsom salts and some worm tea. Then when plants are well established I put some watered down fertiliser (N P K) if I think it needs it.
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08 May 18, Dale (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thank for that info Mike...I will get on to it now.I really want this lot to make it to the table..ha ha...Blessings to you.
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10 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check to see if you have bees working in your area/garden otherwise you might have to hand pollinate in the mornings when the female flowers come out. they are only open for a 1/2 day.
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06 Apr 18, Gaynor (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
How can I grow zucchini’s in Auckland in the winter thanks.
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09 Apr 18, mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I don't believe you can grow them during winter, maybe with a good glass house and heater but you'd also probably need to hand pollinate.
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04 Feb 18, Peter Wilson (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How can I tell when my zuchinies are ready for picking
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04 Feb 18, Quarteracre Kiwi (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Peter - Leave them as little or as big as you like. If you pick them when they are about 25cm long, they will be lovely, fleshy and seedless. If you leave them past this point, they will quickly become marrow, which are watery and full of seeds. Give them a twist and they will come off with a bit of stalk. They will keep for a good while in your veg chiller of your fridge. If you get lots, you can grate them and freeze them in ziplock bags for winter. Give them a squeeze in a teatowel after thawing though.
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30 Jan 18, thabo mofokeng (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
My babymarrows are rotten from inside. Thee past two years I never experienced any problems. They do not show from the outside that they are rotten inside some have worms inside. Pls advise. Thabo
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13 Jan 18, John Bass (New Zealand - temperate climate)
re the question of 17 December. Tips of new courgettes turn yellow and then die back. Cause and treatment please.
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17 Sep 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably not being pollinated by bees. Female flower is only open for a day or so and generally shut by lunch. Read up about hand pollinating.
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Showing 91 - 100 of 356 comments
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Mel, they are probably male flowers. (Female flowers have small zucchini below them). You can help along with the pollination by transferring the pollen from the male flower to the female flower with a small brush if the female flowers drop off and no zucchini growing. The recent heatwaves may also contribute to your problem.

- Lee

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