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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
18 Sep 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Lisa, zucchini/courgettes behave like that when they are not fertilised. You could try using a soft paintbrush to do it by hand.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 61 - 61 of 61 comments
See comments for all plants

It is usually a sign of Low Calcium in the soil. you can get some products that contain calcium but they are mixed element sprays etc. you run the risk of putting to much of something else in, that is not required. Best tip I have been given is to place all your eggshell in water for 2 or 3 weeks, then water the base of the plants with this. and next time your preparing your soil, bury all your used (crushed) eggshell into the soil of the garden bed. I just started to use Eggshell water a month ago and I have already picked the new growth fruit that has no sign of the rot, some still do but instead of all of them rotting I get to eat 7 out of 10 now. Hope this helps.

- Pete

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.