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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I agree with John. For powdery mildew prevention and control I use a brew of 3tablespoons of baking (bicarb) soda, 1/2 teaspoon non detergent dish soap to 6litre of water. The soda changes the ph and destroys the spores, soap acts as sticking agent. MUST test spay, leave 24-48hrs observe for chemical damage. May need less soda. Do not add anything to brew like fertiliser or neem oil, as this will change the ph and the brew will either become ineffective or cause damage. When ok with mix, spray everything (plant, container, soil, stakes etc) all over. Give sprayer a good shake prior and during application. Don't pour leftover brew into soil - ph change can cause growth problems of young plants. I do this weekly from planting out regardless of need; this minimises powdery mildew starting up. My cucs, courgettes and toms get this treatment but the amount of soda required may vary. I keep a note of the brew(s) and results for future reference. Best done in the evening so it has time to do its thing overnight without the risk of sunburn. Make a fresh batch of brew for each spray session. Remove some additional leaves to enable good ventilation throughout plant. What variety of triphid are you growing?

- Karen

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