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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
27 Aug 20, Dave (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Thanks! I'll follow that guidance. I suppose I might have to replant in the Spring then too :)
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23 Jul 20, Paul Bao (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
to pollinate it by hands
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24 Jul 20, Anon (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Look up on the internet how to hand pollinate zucchini.
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03 Jan 20, Steph (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Is it too late (January) to plant courgette plants
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04 Jan 20, anon (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Check the monthly calendar at the top of the courgette page.
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17 Jan 20, Owen Dawe (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Planting seedlings ok.
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23 Dec 19, Sonya McKerrow (New Zealand - temperate climate)
My courgettes get flowers on then only grow to about 10 cms flowers die and then courgette dies , has not done this other years don't know what is going on?
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27 Dec 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Sounds like you have no bees to pollinate the female flowers. Hand pollinate if you like. Look up the internet to find out how to do it.
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10 Nov 19, Craig Hawkins (Australia - temperate climate)
Is blackjack the best variety
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09 Oct 19, Sue (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Is there any way to tell which direction a courgette plant will grow in when planting a seedling - they tend to sprawl in one direction and its always a punt which way that will be. Sometimes they end up growing into other plants. My plant has 3 leaves on it and a smaller one coming similar to the one in your photo top of page. Thanks.
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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. Gardenate 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.
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