How to grow Zucchini

Here is all of the information you need to grow your own Zucchini. From planting, growing and harvesting tips, this guide will help you enjoy a bountiful crop!

Zucchini prefers rich, well draining soil with plenty of compost mixed in. 

Plant Zucchini in a full sun position. 

No, Zucchini plants are not frost tolerant. 

Plant Zucchini roughly 60cm apart. 

Zucchini are warm season crops that are best planted in spring once the danger of frost has passed. 

Seeds are quick to germinate and can be direct sown once the soil has warmed to roughly 20°C (68°F).  

If planting from seedling, plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times and windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn. 

Zucchini are heavy feeders, fertilise regularly with an organic liquid fertilizer and top dress the soil around the plants with compost throughout the season. 

Harvest regularly, as Zucchini grow extremely fast. Zucchini can be harvested at any stage, however they are at their best around 25cm long. The more you harvest, the more the plant will produce.

Pests that may affect Zucchini include: Aphids, Army Worms, Cucumber Beetle, Cutworm, Flea Beetle, Spider Mites, Slugs, Snails, Leafminers, Squash Bug, Squash Vine Borer, Thrips, 28 Spotted Ladybug. 

Diseases that may affect Zucchini include: Alternaria Leaf Blight, Leaf Spot, Downy Mildew, Fusarium Crown and Foot Rot, Gummy Stem Blight, Powdery Mildew, Verticillium Wilt, Bacterial Wilt, Aster Yellows, Blossom- end Rot, Mosaic Virus, Cucurbit Yellow Stunting Disorder Virus, Phytophthora Crown and Root Rot. 

Prune any old or overlapping leaves as soon as possible to prevent Powdery Mildew and other diseases from forming. 

Attract bees to your garden by planting flowers around your Zucchini bed, otherwise, hand pollinate to ensure fruit set.