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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09 Feb 14, Edwina (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My zuc plant is getting so big, about 1m x 1mx 1m. Flowers but no fruit. Am I just being impatient? Grown from seed, not sure what variety. Plant looks healthy.
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07 Jan 14, tina (Australia - temperate climate)
l have got a black jack zucchini plant with normal size zucchinis on it but also have a zucchini that messures 15 inches long & 16 inches round is this normal please
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19 Jan 14, jason (Australia - temperate climate)
yes, that means it is maturing. if you leave it you should end up with viable seeds for next year. however if not picked the plant may stop/slow production as it has produced mature seeds
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15 Dec 13, ELLE OSBORNE (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Maybe you need bees to pollinate your zucchinis ... as otherwise yo may have to use a feather to hand pollinate them. Ask beekeeperssutherland.com.au if you need more help ( a not for profit organisation)
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08 Nov 13, Leonie (Australia - temperate climate)
can you trim of the leaves when they grow to big
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30 Dec 13, Anne (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, I have trim off lower leaves as the plant got bigger. The plant still grew and fruited. To be safe, I've never trim beyond the last 2 leaves of a new flower or fruit. Last season, I tried the staking method where the plant is trained and tied up a stake. The method of staking and trimming lower leaves was great as I can water without worrying about wetting the leaves and developing mildew.
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14 Oct 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
Does anyone know where to buy Zucchini Tromborino seed. Diggers Seeds used to have it. It is hard to germinate as some seeds seem to be sterile but the flavour is truly wonderful - a nutty taste rather than marrow flavour.
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15 Oct 13, Jac T (Australia - temperate climate)
Are you thinking of zucchini tromboncino? It's still over at Diggers ...
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11 Oct 13, Peter Stevens (Australia - temperate climate)
The zuccinni on my plants have a yellowy End on them and go all soft and rot at the end of them Can someone give me a solution to this problem
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17 Oct 14, (Australia - temperate climate)
Peter - I fixed that problem by adding lime to the soil.
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Showing 201 - 210 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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