Zucchini
Cucurbita pepo
Family: Cucurbitaceae · Genus: Cucurbita
Zucchini is a summer squash in the gourd family. It is a vigorous, monoecious plant that produces edible fruits harvested while immature. Native to the Americas.
Soil Temperature
21°C – 35°C
Spacing
50 – 90 cm
Harvest
6–9 weeks
Sowing
Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks.
Growing Schedule Zone 8b
Companions
Avoid Growing Near
Growing Notes
Plant into a slightly raised, well composted bed and mulch. Needs regular plentiful water. Produces large leaves with a spread of about 1.5 m x 1.5 m. Some varieties trail a bit but don't climb. The yellow (or gold) variety is more resistant to mould damage in humid areas and remains productive even when the leaves have mildew on them. If there are no bees around and the fruit are not setting well or die off after starting to grow, try picking a male flower (straight stem) and gently brushing pollen inside female flowers. Pick frequently to keep the plant producing new flowers.
Culinary Hints
Zucchini are best picked fairly small at about 15 cm / 6 inches as they have the best texture. Bigger ones are still edible but may be a bit soft.