Learn to grow versatile Zucchini…plus, grab a printable planting guide at the end of the post! Zucchini are easy-to-grow, prolific garden treats. They need well-drained, moderately fertile soils and a sunny, warm location.

Along with adding a nice fresh addition to salads, omelets, and vegetable dishes, zucchini is a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Grow Zucchini

WE WILL COVER:

1. Soils
2. Sunlight
3. Temperature
4. Planting instructions
5. Cold Hardiness
6. Days to Germinate
7. Thinning
8. Varieties
9. Days to Maturity
10. Harvesting
11. Storage Tips
12. Plus, a few Zucchini Recipes!
13. Container Gardening

 Find Your Zone: Free USDA Hardiness Planting Guide

1. SOILS:

• Zucchini need well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0 (adjust your soil pH with wood ash or garden limestone.
• Moist soils but not waterlogged
• Garden Bed, Containers or Pots all work well
• Just make sure to have at least 16 inches of soil in your containers 
• Apply Organic All-Purpose Fertilizer

Depending on your geographic location, soils vary tremendously and need different soil amendments.

It is easy to find out how to test your soil with this inexpensive soil tester from Amazon.

2. SUNLIGHT:

Zucchini grows best in direct sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but it needs 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day for a good harvest.

3. TEMPERATURE:

Zucchini needs warm temperatures for a good harvest. It grows best between 70°F and 90°F (21°C to 32°C). When planted in this range, zucchini plants produce a lot of fruit.

In cooler areas, zucchini may grow slowly or not at all. So, it’s important to wait until after the frost before planting.

Warm weather helps zucchini grow quickly and flower well. This leads to better pollination and a larger yield.

4. PLANTING:

Plant zucchini when the soil temperature is above 60 degrees. I have started zucchini seeds in my greenhouse and then moved them outside when it gets warmer.

Just do not allow them to get too big before transplanting.

Special Note: Zucchini are large plants, spreading up to 3 feet in diameter. Make sure to allow plenty of room between plants and rows.

Specifics on Planting Zucchini in Rows:

1. Plant seeds in single rows.
2. Seeds should be 18″ to 24″ apart in rows.
3. Rows should be approximately 6 feet apart.
4. Cover seeds with 1/2″ dirt and tap firmly.
5. Keep seeds damp while germinating.
6. Hand weed or mulch to suppress weeds.
7. Protect from frost danger.

Specifics on Planting Zucchini in Mounds:

1. Hill up mounds 24″ to 30″ apart.
2. Make a flattened area on the top of each mound.
3. Plant 3 to 4 zucchini seeds in a depression on the top of each mound.
4. These mounds allow the plants to spread their leaves. 
5. Keep seeds damp while germinating.
6. Hand weed or mulch to suppress weeds.
7. Protect from frost danger.

♦Please Note: add this information to your garden journal.

5. COLD HARDINESS:

Plant zucchini seeds in warm soils; watch for prolonged cold, damp weather as seeds will not germinate.

Zucchini have large leaves or fairly large leaves and they are very susceptible to frost. Make sure to protect them when frost is predicted.

They do not tolerate cold or damp weather so plant when soils are warm. Start inside or in a small greenhouse. Wall O’ Waters are super for a season extender.

6. DAYS to GERMINATE: approximately 7 to 9 days

Zucchini typically germinate in approximately 7 to 9 days. They will germinate faster in warm soils.

7. THINNING: 

• Zucchini plants should be thinned to the 2 healthiest seedlings in each mound.
• Or, if planting in rows, thin plants to the healthiest seedlings spaced every 18 inches.
• If planting in containers, thin to two seedlings per container.

8. VARIETIES:

• Dark Green Zucchini
• Medium Green Zucchini
• Zucchini Collection of (4) 

9. DAYS to MATURITY:  45 to 50 days

You can pick mature zucchini that are 6″ to 8″ long in about 45 days, though the exact timing may vary.

10. HOW to HARVEST: 

• Start harvesting your zucchini when they reach 8 inches long. The seeds are small at this size. 
• Carefully cut and/or twist the stem approximately 1 inch from the main plant.
• Take care to not scratch or damage the outside skin.

11. STORAGE IDEAS:  for Zucchini

• Wash and store for fresh eating.
• Store in the crisper drawer.
• How to Freeze Zucchini

Ball Canning and Freezing Resource Book

12. RECIPE IDEAS for Zucchini:

• Mid Century Zucchini Bread Recipe with Einkorn Flour
• Easy Baked Zucchini
• Parmesan Zucchini Sticks
• Zucchini Blossoms

Do Not Forget to:

• Eat Fresh!
• Add fresh, healthy ingredients to your salad.
• Sauté in ghee with shallots or onions for a tasty dish.
• Zucchini is great for vegetable trays and makes a good dipper.
• And then, there is always Delicious Homemade Zucchini Bread which is an all-time year-round favorite!

13. CONTAINER GARDENING:

Zucchini plants can be grown in a large pot or container. Just make sure to have plenty of room, as they spread about 3 feet wide. I have had great success with getting an early jump on planting zucchini by growing them in my small greenhouse.

Make sure to have a good potting mixture, as zucchini grow fairly fast. They are ready to pick in about 45 days.

Make sure to read on proper pollination of zucchini in a greenhouse environment.

COMPANION PLANTING: Squash and Zucchini love Corn, Melons, and Pumpkins!

In Review:

Growing zucchini is easy and rewarding for any gardener, no matter their skill level. These plants thrive in different soil types and enjoy sunny, warm areas.

They can produce a lot of zucchini during the growing season. Make sure to give them enough space and care to help them grow well. By following the tips in this article, you can successfully grow your own zucchini.

Don’t forget to download the planting guide at the end to help you get started!

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