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             S S S S S
T T             T T T T
P                 P P P

(Best months for growing Zucchini in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed

September: Frost tender

  • 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
13 Feb 09, Mel (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have four zucchini plants that have grown big and strong with lots of full flowers but then the flowers die and drop off and no zucchini grows. Anyone have any ideas what i can do to help the flowers to germinate?
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Feb 09, Bill Errington (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Zucchinis rotting from the tip when small indicates lack of pollination. Transferring pollen from the male flower to the female flower ( the latter has the bulb of the vegetable below it) using a small soft artists paint brush will guarantee pollination and increase yields. There seem to be less bees around to carry out this important work.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Oct 16, louise (Australia - arid climate)
great reply
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Feb 09, Lauren (Australia - temperate climate)
If I plant tomorrow, is it a bit late for zucchini? It will be the 10 Feb. Thanks.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Jan 09, Chrystal Iker (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My yellow zucchini plant is growing gang busters, but the fruit gets to about 3inches then starts rotting on the flower end. I have grone them successfully before, don't know what to do?
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Jan 09, Ray Griffith (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy seeds for large marrows?
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Jan 09, Eddie (Australia - temperate climate)
Judy, the uneven shape is probably due to irregular watering. Try to water regularly and they should grow more evenly.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Dec 08, Judy (Australia - temperate climate)
Some of my zucchini aren't growing out properly, they have a round ball on the end, not a nice long even shape. does anyone have any suggestions?
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Nov 08, Sam (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My zucchinis have been going great guns, until recently. the ends are going soft and then rotting. Can anyone help with what causes this and how I can fix it? Thanks.
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Nov 08, Georgia (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Paul, the white spots are powdery mildew. You can treat it without spraying chemicals by mixing full cream milk and water together so that there is 2 parts water and 3 parts milk. There are antibacterial properties in milk that will kill the mildew. But you need to do it once a week and the milk mix must dry on. If it rains you need to spray with the milk mix again. Also make sure that you don't wet the leaves when you water the plant...
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 231 - 240 of 255 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Zucchini

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.