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                  
      T                
      P P P            

(Best months for growing Zucchini in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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

25 Sep 08, gareth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
how many zucchini would give me a constant supply of zucchini.Do they need any special requirements?
29 Sep 08, Grahame (Australia - temperate climate)
Gareth, We usually have about 3-4 zucchini plants for the 3 of us with plenty to give away to friends. You should get your fill of zucchini slice, stuffed zucchini etc... and you will probably be glad to see the back of them until next season... Make sure you check them every day because a little one can become a massive marrow in 1 or 2 days.
02 Oct 08, SONYA JONES (Australia - tropical climate)
I have grown zucchinis up here before without a problem but this time the fruits are getting stung by something. It leaves a few small brown spots on top and lays maggots inside. I can only use half the fruit after I cut away the bad bits.
02 Oct 08, SONYA JONES (Australia - tropical climate)
My zucchinis are getting stung by something. It lays a maggot into the fruit on the top so I usually only get to eat half after I cut away the bad bits.
06 Oct 08, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
Does anyone know why my Zucchinis might have white spots on the leaves? Does not appear to be a pest and last season the same thing happened to a fully grown crop which then died.
02 Nov 08, Peit (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi I'm a newbie. I have been told that you need 2 zucchini plants to get fruit is this correct?
03 Nov 08, Grahame (Australia - temperate climate)
Peit, No that is not true - one zucchini plant will produce fruit.
06 Nov 08, Billie (Australia - temperate climate)
I have planted zucchini's and they are flowering. However the flowers then die and drop off. There is no sign of any fruit. Is this normal? Thanks
10 Nov 08, Bridget (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
This year my zucchinis are growing only to the size of my little finger then dying off. Is the soil lacking something?
11 Nov 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Billie, and Bridget, your zucchini are dropping off because they are not pollinated. You can help pollination with a soft paintbrush if there are not many insects around.
Showing 21 - 30 of 356 comments

Hi I'm a newbie. I have been told that you need 2 zucchini plants to get fruit is this correct?

- Peit

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