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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08 Oct 14, LEN moore (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can I trim of excess leaves on my zuccini to help fruiting
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07 Oct 14, Lamin Kabba Bajo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Which is the best way to plant Zucchini, direct seeding or through nursery? Thanks.
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28 Jul 14, Lamin Kabba Bajo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
When is the best time to grow courgette in Gambia, West Africa?
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30 Jul 14, linda (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
we lived in ghana some years back, try to avoid rainy season as they can get moldy if humidity is high. otherwise most of the year.
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19 Jul 14, van nguyen (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I start to do seeding at the end of July?
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26 Feb 14, Rafael basa (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it still Okey to plant zucchini on first week of March?
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23 Feb 14, Zaman (Australia - temperate climate)
I am growing zucchini my plant looks good, but lot of small fruit becoming yellow and die before opening the flower. please let me know the problem. thanks zaman
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08 Mar 15, rastus (Australia - temperate climate)
If you want success in growing your zucchinis they will be need a lot of water. Water 2-3 times daily to ensure best results, soak the plant for 10-15 minutes each feeding session and you will be growing zucchinis like rabbits breed.
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03 Mar 14, Gray (Australia - temperate climate)
It could also be lack of water - zucchini is really thirsty.
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24 Feb 14, K. D. Afford (Australia - temperate climate)
It is the lack of bees, you need to pick the male flowers and rub them on the female ones. Hand pollinating. It works for me!
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Showing 191 - 200 of 356 comments
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Hello Sir, I was just reading through the comments further on, and it occured to me that you may have some micro-climates at your new property making things alot cooler/dryer/warmer- outdoor thermometer reads in the area for the day will tell you, and most likely the nutrient balance/microorganisms population is a lot different than your old place...I read somewhere that some squash or pumpkin can change their flowering habits due to a combination of level of nutrients/metals available and plant hormones in the soil, returning to male and female on seperate plants, maybe test the soil for nutrient levels and contaminants if you havent done so already. Is the seed your own or bought? If its not your own seed, you could take it up with the supplier, keep detailed records of these kind of issues and welcome questions about oddities etc, sometimes they purposely breed plants as F1 hybrids so you have to buy more seed to make collecting it not worthwhile

- Te Pi'

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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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