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 S S S S          
      T T T T T T      
      P P P P P        

(Best months for growing Zucchini in Australia - tropical 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 21°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 50 - 90 cm 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

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31 Oct 14, michele (Australia - temperate climate)
how do i know when to pick my zucchini they seem very small
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25 Oct 14, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Michelle, The female flowers have a tiny zucchini shape behind them and the male flowers have a straight stem.
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24 Oct 14, Michelle L (Australia - tropical climate)
I haven't seen a lot or any bees to pollinate the zucchini flowers, as advised by D. Afford, how do we find recognise which is the make and female flowers to hand pollinate? This also happened to my strawberries, again, lack of bees.
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08 Oct 14, Maegan (Australia - temperate climate)
We plant direct seed and within weeks they are pushing through the soil. I planted my zucchini seeds three weeks ago and have already thinned them out with the remaining plants strong and vigorous
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13 Oct 14, Mick (Australia - temperate climate)
How do I thin them?
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08 Oct 14, LEN moore (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can I trim of excess leaves on my zuccini to help fruiting
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19 Jul 14, van nguyen (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I start to do seeding at the end of July?
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26 Feb 14, Rafael basa (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it still Okey to plant zucchini on first week of March?
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23 Feb 14, Zaman (Australia - temperate climate)
I am growing zucchini my plant looks good, but lot of small fruit becoming yellow and die before opening the flower. please let me know the problem. thanks zaman
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08 Mar 15, rastus (Australia - temperate climate)
If you want success in growing your zucchinis they will be need a lot of water. Water 2-3 times daily to ensure best results, soak the plant for 10-15 minutes each feeding session and you will be growing zucchinis like rabbits breed.
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I agree with John. For powdery mildew prevention and control I use a brew of 3tablespoons of baking (bicarb) soda, 1/2 teaspoon non detergent dish soap to 6litre of water. The soda changes the ph and destroys the spores, soap acts as sticking agent. MUST test spay, leave 24-48hrs observe for chemical damage. May need less soda. Do not add anything to brew like fertiliser or neem oil, as this will change the ph and the brew will either become ineffective or cause damage. When ok with mix, spray everything (plant, container, soil, stakes etc) all over. Give sprayer a good shake prior and during application. Don't pour leftover brew into soil - ph change can cause growth problems of young plants. I do this weekly from planting out regardless of need; this minimises powdery mildew starting up. My cucs, courgettes and toms get this treatment but the amount of soda required may vary. I keep a note of the brew(s) and results for future reference. Best done in the evening so it has time to do its thing overnight without the risk of sunburn. Make a fresh batch of brew for each spray session. Remove some additional leaves to enable good ventilation throughout plant. What variety of triphid are you growing?

- Karen

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