- Plant zucchini when the soil is 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Select a site with full sun and rich soil.
- Prepare the soil by mixing a 3-inch layer ofMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics®All Purpose In-Ground Soilinto the top 6 inches of native soil.
- If using containers, fill withMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics®All Purpose Container Mix. For raised beds, useMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Raised Bed Mix.
- Sow zucchini seeds 3 to 4 inches apart, then thin them as they grow.
- Provide plants withconsistent moisture.
- Feed zucchini a month after planting withMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules.
- Use row covers to protect young plants from pests.
- Harvest zucchini when fruits are between 3 and 8 inches long.
Zucchini is a staple of summer cuisine, from ratatouille to mixed grills, summer salads, and stir-fries. It's no wonder, either, since this versatile vegetable is easy to grow and prolific in the garden. While the most common types of zucchini plants produce green fruits, you can also grow golden or bi-color zucchini varieties.
Here's how to grow zucchini.
When to Plant Zucchini
Zucchini loves warm weather. Wait to plant seeds or transplants until the soil is at least 65 to 70 degrees. In warmer growing zones (including the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and Desert Southwest), gardeners can plant two crops of zucchini, one in the spring and one in the fall. In more temperate areas (zones 6 and lower), zucchini is grown as a summer crop, usually planted in May.
Where to Plant Zucchini
Zucchini needs full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours) and consistently moist soil that is high in organic matter. Some zucchini varieties are vining types that require a trellis or a lot of room to sprawl. There are also bush types suitable for container gardening and small space gardening. For the best results, match the zucchini type to the space in which you plant to grow it.
How to Prepare the Soil for Zucchini
Before planting zucchini, improve the soil in the planting areas by mixing a 3-inch layer of aged compost-enrichedMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics®All Purpose In-Ground Soilinto the top 6inches of native soil. This will not only improve the soil texture, but will also give plants a headstart on nutrition. If planting in a container, fill the container with lighter, fluffierMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics®All Purpose Container Mix, which also contains nutrient-rich compost. When planting in a raised bed, useMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Raised Bed Mix, which is specially formulated for that growing environment.
How to Plant Zucchini
Zucchini plants can be grown from young plants or seeds. Starting with strong young zucchini plants like those fromBonnie Plants®automatically puts you closer to harvest, plus is a great solution when you get a late start on planting. When starting with seeds, they should be sown directly in the garden after all chance of frost has passed. Because the seeds sprout and grow so quickly, there is really no need, even in the coolest gardening areas, to start seeds indoors.
When the soil has warmed up in your planting beds, plant seeds one-half inch deep, 3 to 4 inches apart, in rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart. Thin plants so that they are spaced 6 to 8 inches apart once they are 4 to 5 inches tall.
Another option is to plant 2 or 3 seeds (bush-style plants work best) in a container that is at least 20 inches in diameter. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, trim two off at the soil line, leaving only the strongest looking plant to grow.
How to Feed Zucchini
For best growth, zucchini plants need regular feeding in addition to being planted in the rich, nutritious soil mentioned earlier. A month after planting, begin fertilizing your zucchini plants withMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules, which willdeliver continuous food during the growing season. The result? A bigger harvest than you'd glean from unfed plants! Be sure to follow label directions.
How to Water Zucchini
Zucchini needs steady moisture to produce large, problem-free harvests. Otherwise, the fruits are susceptible to blossom end rot, which is when the flower end of the zucchini begins to rot. Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Because disease can spread easily across zucchini plant leaves, you will want to take care when watering to direct the stream at the soil and not on the leaves. Or, install a soaker hose or drip irrigation at the time of planting.
How to Control Zucchini Pests and Diseases
Zucchini plants are vulnerable to a number of pests and diseases, including squash bugs, squash vine borers, striped cucumber beetles, powdery mildew, and bacterial wilt. Help prevent problems by planting only after the soil has warmed and using row covers when plants are young (until they start flowering). In addition, it helps to keep vines off the ground by trellising or adding a layer of mulch beneath them. You can also use an insect and disease control spray, such asNature's Care® 3-in-1 Insect, Disease and Mite Control, to help protect plants. Pull up and throw away (do not compost) any plants that succumb to disease.
How to Harvest Zucchini
Harvest time depends on the variety, but generally, zucchini are most tender and have the best flavor when they are young. Large fruits (think arm-sized) tend to be mealy and full of seeds. Carefully cut fruits off the plant with a knife or pruners when zucchini are between 3 and 8 inches long. To help them store longer, harvest with at least an inch of stem still attached.
FAQs
Zucchini needs full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours) and consistently moist soil that is high in organic matter. Some zucchini varieties are vining types that require a trellis or a lot of room to sprawl. There are also bush types suitable for container gardening and small space gardening.
How to plant and grow zucchini? ›
Zucchini Growing Guide
- Cucurbits (Squash family) ●
- Well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost.
- Full sun.
- Cannot tolerate frost.
- Drench plants with a liquid fertilizer when they begin to blossom and set fruits.
- Sow seeds 1 inch deep in spring, either in rows or hills.
Zucchini
| Plant name | Zone | # plants per person |
|---|
| Zucchini | 3a | 1-2 |
| Zucchini | 3b | 1-2 |
| Zucchini | 4a | 1-2 |
| Zucchini | 4b | 1-2 |
14 more rowsThat increases the odds of pollination. Other summer squashes and pumpkins will also pollinate zucchini. Keep in mind that zucchini are self-fertile, so you don't need multiple plants for pollination. But having more than one can improve fruit set.
What is the best month to plant zucchini? ›
We recommend planting zucchini and summer squash from late May to early July, depending on the season's temperatures and rainfall. It's a warm season crop, so it needs warm air, warm soil, and no chance of frost.
What not to grow next to zucchini? ›
Potatoes can also spread diseases such as late blight, which can also affect zucchinis. Cucumbers and pumpkins should not be planted next to zucchinis as they belong to the same family (Cucurbitaceae) and therefore attract similar pests and diseases.
Where is the best place to plant zucchini? ›
Zucchini plants prefer a sheltered position in full sun and a fertile soil that holds plenty of moisture. They are reasonably large plants, so need plenty of room. Space them up to 1m apart. There are some more compact varieties available for small space gardens and these are ideal for growing in containers.
Can I plant zucchini next to tomatoes? ›
Zucchini and tomatoes can be grown as close neighbors and will make satisfactory companion plants. Both vegetables thrive in the same environmental conditions, so a garden plot that is ideal for one plant is therefore ideal for the other. They both need a location with full sun and benefit from nutrient-rich soil.
How deep to bury zucchini? ›
How to Plant Zucchini. Direct sow seeds in level ground 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart.
Do zucchini plants come back every year? ›
Crops such as zucchinis and cucumbers are known as annuals because their natural lifecycle only lasts a season. Other plants, such as garlic and kale, are biennials. Their natural lifespan takes two years. But other edibles, known as perennials, naturally live three years or longer.
Radishes, peas, peppermint, dill, parsley, oregano, and even flowers like marigolds or nasturtiums are a few other options for gardeners. Most importantly, zucchini and squash should grow with plants that also need regular watering but don't take up too much space.
Should zucchini be planted in rows or hills? ›
A “hill” of three or four seeds sown close together is another way to plant squash in the garden. Allow five to six feet between hills. You can plant bush types, with very short vines, in closely spaced hills, or in closely spaced rows, with only two to three feet between rows or hills.
Can you plant zucchini too close together? ›
Plant zucchini in rows with at least 3 feet of distance between rows and space of 1.5 to 3 feet between plants. If you have a larger garden and want to grow a lot of zucchini, plant them in rows. You can grow any variety of zucchini in rows, including both compact and sprawling plants.
Do zucchini like morning sun or afternoon sun? ›
Plant in Full Sun
Zucchinis need to be planted in an area that receives full sun, meaning 6 or more hours of direct sun each day. Southern exposure is ideal for most sun-loving vegetables where they receive light during the majority of the day but are protected from the strongest afternoon sun.
How often should I water zucchini? ›
Watering Zucchinis
One inch of water per week should suffice, but water more often if the weather is particularly hot and dry. Well-draining soil is a must—if it water pools and remains stagnant around the roots, they will start to rot. Avoid letting your soil dry out; this can increase the risk of blossom end rot.
Should zucchini be planted on a mound? ›
A zucchini plant takes approximately 45 and 55 days to start flowering, after which you'll notice the fruit start to grow. Zucchini plants thrive in loose, fertile, and well-drained soil; note that planting zucchini in small hills or mounds is also important for success.
Do you need two zucchini plants to produce? ›
Zucchini is a plant that you only need one of to get plenty of produce. On average, one zucchini plant can produce between three and ten pounds of produce depending on how well it's cared for. Zucchini plants can take a while to produce. You can expect to see zucchinis within 35 to 55 days of it being planted.
Do you soak zucchini before planting? ›
Zucchini seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing. Zucchini seeds grow best when they are sown directly into the garden. Sow seeds directly in the garden 20mm deep and 50-80cm apart, with rows 80-120cm apart.
Can I plant zucchini directly in the ground? ›
How to Sow Zucchini. You can sow zucchini directly outside after your last frost date. Make a depression into the soil about half an inch (1cm) deep then drop in two seeds. Cover them back over and pop a clear jar or half a plastic bottle over the top to serve as a miniature greenhouse to speed things along.
How long does it take for a zucchini plant to produce fruit? ›
About 45 to 55 days after planting, you'll begin to see blooms, which are soon replaced with the fruit. When the early zucchinis are about six inches long, you can start harvesting them. Depending on the variety, a ripe zucchini can be dark green, yellow or white.
