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

27 Nov 18, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Of my 4 zuchini plants brought as seedlings only one has green fruit the other 3 have an abundance of fruit but they are more a pale white colour, are they still okay to eat.
27 Nov 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Go to website like Boondie seeds and look at the different varieties of zukies. You should be able to eat them. Probably they are a hybrid and they have thrown back to parent in the cross. Do you remember the name of them?
06 Nov 18, [email protected] (Australia - tropical climate)
Do l need to plant 2 zucchini seedlings for them to produce fruit? Thanks Judi
08 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The plant will have male and female flowers. If no bees in your area hand pollinate in the morning. Look up the internet how to do it.
07 Jun 18, Dale (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Well I have got some beaut zucchini plants coming along and I have been caring for them.I even made sure they were all fertilized.But now there is something eating all the flowers.I can't see anything around. I did squash a couple of 28 spot lady bugs.HELP. Also something has eaten all of one of my cauliflower plants. I can't seem to win the war!.More HELP please.But... I am picking some snow peas,Hooray!
08 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Either go to a shop and buy a insecticide/spray for grubs etc for cabbage/caulies etc or look on the internet for an organic spray for them.
13 Jun 18, dale (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thanks once again Mike for your comment .I am going to give Eco oil a try. I like it, as is natural and organic and hopefully does the job.
05 May 18, Dale (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have just bought some blood and bone , Can I dig in a little around my 6 week old zucchini plants ,then water it in?
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.
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.
Showing 41 - 50 of 255 comments

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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.
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