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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Showing 41 - 50 of 356 comments
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Leaves going white sounds like powdery mildew, probably due to all the wet. You could try a spray of dilute (1 to 9) skim milk and water (see RHNZ website: http://www.rnzih.org.nz/pages/powdery-mildew.htm), or a commercial spray.

- Chris

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