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 21°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 50 - 90 cm 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
05 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read through the comments here for zucchini, there are many about this problem.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Nov 17, Heather (Australia - temperate climate)
I have zucchini growing well but they are starting to go bad at the end where the flower is attached - this is when the flower has wilted but has not fallen off. Should I knock the flowers off when they have wilted?? many thanks for your advice
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Try not to water around the flowers - water around the base of the plant. Your plants are probably not being pollinated by bees. Check to see if you have male and female flowers. You can pollinate by hand if no bees. Even some Epsom Salts around the plants may help. Read the other comments here.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Nov 17, Heather (Australia - temperate climate)
thank you Mike, I appreciate the advice
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Nov 17, Phil (Australia - temperate climate)
I have some zucchini planted alongside a bed of sweet potato and have just read zucchini should not be planted alongside potatoes! The potato bed is secure in a raised bed. Please advise the issues? Regards................
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Potatoes are said to inhibit the growth of Zucchinis etc. Ever want to know - google google google lol
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Nov 17, Dale (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have planted 2 zucchini seeds close to each other and about 60 to 80 cm further on another 2 seeds close together.( as they say to plant 2 or 3 seeds in a clump and then keep only the healthiest one) Well , 2 came up so healthy ,right next to each other, and I don't want to pull out one and throw it away...can I re plant it or just leave it there (about 3 or 4 weeks old) The other 2 don't look as healthy,(not sure why that is .)
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It might be a bit late to transplant now - you will really set it back by transplanting it. Next time don't plant them so close. When you transplant always try and have soil around the roots. Leave it there but keep the water up and maybe a touch of fert in a couple of weeks.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Nov 17, Lizzy Miller (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi there my ? is can I cut the underside leaves from a productive plant, as the are becoming intrusive on my herb garden. Thank you. Cheers Lizzy.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yep cut them.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 61 - 70 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.