Cucurbita pepo

Cultivation

Zucchini can be sown directly to the garden, when the soil reaches min. 20 °C (68 °F). However, usually they are planted as seedlings with a root clod.

Distance between plants

Bushy sorts at least 1 m (3 ft) between rows and 0.5 m (1.5 ft) between plants in a row. Vine varieties need even more space.

Location

Sunny.

Amount

One or two plants per person.

Time of planting

Outside in May, seedlings in April. They germinate in 8 days.

Fertilization

It needs much fertilization. Use barn manure or home compost or plant directly in the compost. If the fruits are getting dry, they lack boron or manganese.

Watering

If you want to harvest more, water amply – at least every second day, to 20 cm (8 in) deep. Cover with organic mulch.

Zucchini’s good neighbors

Basil, sweet corn, sunflowers, beans, onion, Indian cress, broad beans, peas, black radish, radish, tomato, lettuce, mint.

Zucchini’s bad neighbors

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Diseases and pests

If pests or diseases attack, plant new crops (till mid-August). Keep sufficient distance between rows and airy soil, use organic mulch and water occasionally with algae brew.

Zucchini’s storage

Pick when they are 10-15 cm (4-6 in) long. Store in the fridge up to one week.

Food

Use the fruit’s meat and blooms. They contain a lot of vitamins and minerals.

Important

Collect seeds, only if there is no other squash in the vicinity of 500 m (1500 ft).

Miscellaneous

Pick regularly to give the plant an opportunity to bear more fruit.