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 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

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14 Oct 19, anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Happens quite a bit here. The wind will blow the plant over, so that is the direction it grows in mainly.
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06 Oct 19, Alex (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I'm from Melbourne vic. I've had 3 attempts of growing zucchini black jack and so far no success, first attempt the plants we're taken with no trace 2nd they got eaten down to the stem this is my 3rd attempt I put tree guards and snail pellets around them also growing a nasturtium nearby but the leave are getting munched on. What can I do these are only young plants?
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04 Feb 20, hi im terry (Australia - temperate climate)
from sa, may i suggest earwigs could be your problem, we followed advice from a friend and put a small amount of olive oil in a clean tuna tin set in the place your zuccs are not to close though, also to check your garden at night when all these nasties come out, good luck.
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01 Jan 20, Catherine (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I had the same problem - I cut off the bottoms of soda bottles, threw away the lids and placed the bottle over the plant, pushing it into the soil enough to stop it from blowing over. I then simply removed the bottle when the plant was looking a little cramped - worked a treat!
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07 Oct 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
An extreme method would be to make a wood frame about 50cm high and cover with 30% shade cloth. OR put stakes in the ground and use shade cloth or bird netting as a fence. I have 2m x 2m x .5m frame with veggie netting on and around it. Only problem the netting disintergated from flapping on the wood frame. I will replace with 30% shade cloth soon. Or make an arch with plastic pipe or chicken netting and cover with shade cloth. Look around the yard for things you could use.
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07 Oct 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Go on the net and look for a natural spray - usually soapy water mixed with other things. Probably you have some grubs.
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30 Jul 19, Peter (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi, Can someone recommend a successful Zucchini variety for a hot tropical area such as Katherine, Northern Territory? Thanks
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21 Jun 20, Josh (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
TryTromboncino, does amazingly well in a humid SE qld summer where others rot.
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31 Jul 19, (Australia - tropical climate)
It is more about planting it the right time. Grab a packet and give it a go.
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14 Jul 19, Jack (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What would you suggest around Brisbane in regard to spacing the plant?
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Showing 51 - 60 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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