Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
QUICK TIPS FOR GROWING ZUCCHINI
FAMILY
NAME
Cucurbitaceae (gourd family).
EDIBLE
PARTS
Fruits and some seeds.
LOCATION
Sunny area.
BEST SOIL
Fertile, well-drained, light soil. If you have clay soil, add lots of
organic matter to lighten it; pH 5.5-6.8.
WHEN TO
PLANT
Sow seeds directly when the soil temperature is 60ºF. You can
start transplants in April and transplant them out approximately
6 weeks later, making sure the soil temperature is warm enough.
HOW TO
PLANT
Sow seeds 2 to 3 inches deep, 16 inches apart in rows 3 to 5 feet
apart.
HOW MUCH
TO PLANT
1 to 2 plants for the family.
WEEDING
Keep well weeded when the plant is young.
WATERING
Zucchini requires regular watering. Watering at the base of the
plant rather than overhead is better for the plant.
CARE
Plants need a large amount of space to grow.
FERTILIZING
Give the plants fish fertilizer or compost tea once they have
reached about 1 foot tall and are just starting to spread.
PESTS AND
DISEASES
Aphids, cucumber beetles, mites, nematodes, squash bugs,
squash vine borers, and powdery mildew can affect zucchini
plants.
WHEN TO
HARVEST
Zucchini will mature in 50 to 65 days. Harvest once fruits start to
form and pick every few days when the fruit is still fairly small (6
to 8 inches); they are tastier when young.
HOW TO
HARVEST
Cut from the plant, leaving a small stem on each fruit.
STORAGE
Summer squash will store for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
But for best results, use them in your smoothies right after
picking.
