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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27 Apr 16, Megan (Australia - tropical climate)
I have been having trouble growing black Jack zuchini. They grow with yellowish leaves not healthy green ones what am I doing wrong. I have given them sea sole complete fertilizer every two weeks. Have prayed with watery milk for fungus. What is wrong????? Thanks Megan from Townsville.
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15 May 16, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
Zucchini doesn't seem to grow well in humid conditions.
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19 Feb 16, Ted (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Emily , I have the same problem with the white powdery mildew on my yellow Zucchini plants. I cut off all the worst affected leaves and and fruit and put them in the rubbish bin. Then I washed the remaining leaves with a strong jet of water early in the morning and allowed to dry completely then I applied a mixture of Eco-oil and Neem Oil to the entire plant and surrounding soil at the recommended dose. After three applications, a week apart, the mould appears to be under control and my Zucchini's are looking good and fruiting again. Hope this helps Emily, good luck.
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28 Feb 16, Linda (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Emily, WPM is annoying, I got it in my pumpkin patch a few years ago, Ted's treatment sounds effective. I got a 500ml spray bottle and put a tspn of bicarb soda in it and filled it with water, I then sprayed the leaves with it 3-4 times a week until they started to look healthier, I too removed some of the worst effected plants and burnt them, good luck and happy gardening, - Linda
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14 Feb 16, Dianne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Best time in Geraldton Wa to grow Zucchinis
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14 Feb 16, Emily Southward (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How to get rid of the mildew on the fruits and plants?
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23 Jan 16, Valerie (Australia - temperate climate)
Does anyone know if black jack zucchini is a hybrid? Can I harvest seeds for next years crop? Thank you in advance.
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16 Jan 16, Pete (Australia - temperate climate)
It is usually a sign of Low Calcium in the soil. you can get some products that contain calcium but they are mixed element sprays etc. you run the risk of putting to much of something else in, that is not required. Best tip I have been given is to place all your eggshell in water for 2 or 3 weeks, then water the base of the plants with this. and next time your preparing your soil, bury all your used (crushed) eggshell into the soil of the garden bed. I just started to use Eggshell water a month ago and I have already picked the new growth fruit that has no sign of the rot, some still do but instead of all of them rotting I get to eat 7 out of 10 now. Hope this helps.
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10 Dec 15, Ray pollard (Australia - temperate climate)
My zucchini keep going rotten before there ready to pick, why?
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28 Dec 15, Tony (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I was told recently that to help with the end rot that you mention. The trick seems to be to pick off the flower on the end of the fruit as soon as it begins to wilt/ wither.
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Showing 171 - 180 of 356 comments
See comments for all plants

Hannah, it sounds like you didn't pick your zucchini early enough. Once the fruit are set I find that you need to pick them as soon as they reach an edible size. That's anything over about 5cm, depending how we're planning to use them.

- Chris

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