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
T                     T

(Best months for growing Zucchini in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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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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?
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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.
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06 Oct 16, louise (Australia - arid climate)
great reply
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09 Feb 09, Christine Walker (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have grown courgettes/ zuchinnis for a few years now and have never had a problem, but a freind of mine who has a farm out of town has just this year decided to grow her own vege. But she has had a problem with the above and they only grow to the size of your index finger. They are yellow and some die off, is this a plant species or is it something that she isnt doing. She assures me that they are getting plenty of water. The fruit looks healthy enough but is just really small Hope to hear from you very soon Cheers Christine
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29 Jan 18, David Ching (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try adding a good dose of lime
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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.
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30 Jan 09, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Chrystal, I think you will find possible answers to your problem amongst the previous comments.
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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?
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24 Jan 09, Ray Griffith (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy seeds for large marrows?
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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.
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I have sown 2 sorts of courgette. The older seed (Italian) germinated as normal. The new seed purchased this spring has done nothing (the common yellow). At this stage seed pots are indoors

- Gill

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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. GardenGrow 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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