When to plant
Plant after all frost risk has passed and soil is above 18°C. Zucchini are fast-growing and productive — one or two plants is usually plenty for a family. Direct sow seeds or plant established seedlings in late spring.
Soil & site
Zucchini are heavy feeders and grow best in deeply prepared, rich soil. Work in a generous layer of compost (4–6 inches). Plant in a raised mound or hill for good drainage. pH 6.0–7.5. Space plants 90 cm apart — they get large.
Feeding
Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting, then switch to a phosphorus/potassium-rich fertilizer once flowering begins. Side-dress with compost every 4 weeks through the season. Heavy fruiting depletes soil quickly — consistent feeding is key to productivity all summer.
Common problems
Powdery mildew (white coating on leaves — improve air circulation, spray with diluted baking soda or neem oil). Squash vine borer (sudden wilting despite good watering — look for sawdust-like frass at stem base). Blossom end rot from inconsistent watering. Poor fruit set from lack of pollination — hand-pollinate with a small brush.
When to harvest
Harvest zucchini when 15–20 cm long and 4–5 cm in diameter — this is the sweet spot for flavour and texture. Larger zucchini (the ones you find under leaves) are still edible but seedy and less flavourful. The skin should still be slightly tender — once it's hard, it's over-mature.
How to harvest
Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the stem — never twist or pull which can damage the plant. Leave 2–3 cm of stem attached to the fruit. Check plants every 1–2 days at peak season — a zucchini can go from perfect to bat-sized in 48 hours. Harvesting frequently signals the plant to keep producing.
Storage & use
Store at room temperature for 2–4 days or in the crisper drawer for up to a week. Zucchini freezes well: slice, blanch 3 minutes, cool, pat dry, and freeze in single layers. Shredded raw zucchini also freezes well for baking use.
Companion planting
Nasturtiums repel squash bugs — plant them as a border around zucchini.
Useful for growing zucchini
A few things that make this one easier — chosen for this plant, not a generic list.
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