How to grow Zucchini
ZUCCHINI GROWING GUIDELINE
- HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
Zucchini or courgette is believed to have originated from Italy. It is a fruit though referred to as a vegetable. They are rich in potassium and Vitamin A.
- ADAPTABILITY
- CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
- Full sun
- Warm conditions
- SOIL REQUIREMENTS
Prefers well-drained soil, rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.8-6.8.
- PRODUCT TYPES
The most common variety of zucchini is Cucurbita pepo
- CULTIVATION PRACTICES
- SOIL PREPARATION
Mix your soil with compost or manure in ratios of 1:1 and fill it in a bucket or a container.
- PLANTING PERIODS
Zucchini can be grown throughout the year but it doesn’t prefer the cold weather period.
- SEEDLING PRODUCTION
Seedlings should be grown in well aerated planting medium. Coco peat is the best planting medium or you can use a mushroom compost. The seeds should be soaked to reduce the germination period and also to remove any chemicals used to treat the seeds
- PLANT POPULATION AND SPACING
In a 20L bucket you can grow 3 Zucchinis. Space them evenly to ensure there is no competition for space.
- TRANSPLANTING SEEDLINGS
Transplant your seedlings after 4 weeks, sow in ½ inch deep in the soil and water them.
- PLANT CARE
Place your plants in a warm area. Mulch your plants to reduce weeds and also protect the roots.
- FERTILIZATION
- FERTILIZATION GUIDELINE
Use a plant tea two weeks after transplanting and continue watering with it after every two weeks till the plant starts to flower.
- IRRIGATION
Always keep your soil moist and well drained, water early in the morning or late in the evening.
- HARVESTING
Zucchini is ready to harvest in 47-52 days, the first harvest might be of poor quality due to poor pollination.
- COMPANION CROPPING
COMPATIBLE
- Spinach
- Parsley
- Garlic
- beans
NOT-COMPATIBLE
- potatoes
- pumpkins
- STORAGE
After harvesting your zucchini, clean and let them dry. Place them in cool and dry conditions. They can last up to 2 weeks.
All technical advice on growing these Zucchinis is based on Gardenology’s judgment. Gardenology will not assume responsibility for any advice given or for the results obtained.
