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Zucchini is a very prolific producer, and a member of the squash family. It is also a prolific cross-breeder. Use caution, if you intend on saving seeds for next year.

A couple of plants in your garden, should produce plenty of fruit for your family and friends.

There are countless numbers of recipes where you can use your excess zucchini. For example, pick small fruit, and add it to salads or vegetable trays... like you would use cucumbers. Or, add some to soups and stews

zucchini are not long keepers in storage. Plan on using them shortly after harvest.

World Record Zucchini: You just might not be surprised, at how big a zucchini can grow. See: World Record Giant Zucchini

Zucchini is a summer squash. It has soft, edible skin, with a short shelf life.

While many gardeners think of Zucchini as a specific variety, there are actually a few specific varieties with similar, yet different traits.

• Black Beauty - This Heirloom is the most popular variety. Dark green fruits taper toward each end. They are best picked when 6 to 8 inches in length. Large, big-leaved plants, can sprawl across the garden as the season.  progresses.

• Zucchini Bush - This space saving variety is perfect for small gardens and containers.  High yields and disease resistant.

• Garden Spineless - This variety offers great tasting zucchini without the scratchy stems. Open growing habit, make s picking easier and painless.

Days to Maturity:

The plants are fast growers. They reach maturity in  little as 45 to 55 days.

How to Grow Zucchini:

Growing zucchini is among the easiest plants you will ever grow.

Plant seeds in rows or hills, planting seeds one inch deep. Row spacing is dependent upon the variety you are planting. In hills, plant four to five per hill. Thin to two to three zucchini plants. Keep soil moist until seeds germinate.

Zucchini plants grow best in well drained soil.

The plants will grow in most  types of soil. Apply a general purpose fertilizer, once a month. Do not provide too much nitrogen, or you will have huge, prolific leaves, and fewer fruit.

Garden Growing Tip: Individual plants can produce fruit all the way to Fall frost.  Mot plants lose their vigor, or fall victim to insect and plant disease. We recommend a second planting right around the first of July. The second crop will be more vigorous and productive in the second half of the year, than an older plant   

Harvesting Squash:

Continuous harvesting, encourages production of even more fruit.

Its best to harvest summer squash while the fruit is still young and tender. The skin is edible when the fruit is young.

Insects, Pests, and Disease:

The Cucumber Beetle is the dreaded pest of the cucurbita family. There is no exception for zucchini. Both striped and spotted cucumber beetles feed on the leaves of the plants. They also can cause damage by spreading disease from one plant to another.

Squash Vine Borers are another huge threat. They bore into the vine, near the base of the plant. Given a little time, they will chew right through the vine, killing the plant.

Cucumber Beetles are effectively controlled with most insecticides. Squash Vine Borers require stronger insecticides. Read the insecticide label, to make certain it is effective against Squash Vine Borers.

A variety of other pests can also cause problems, depending upon where you live.

Diseases of Zucchini Plants:

Zucchini  plants are susceptible to a variety of bacteria and fungus diseases. Among the most common, are powdery mildew and bacterial wilt. Plant disease problems are most common in hot and humid weather, and especially towards late August as the plant is aging and weakens.

Promoting a strong, healthy plant, coupled with fungicide treatment, will help to avoid these problems.

Treat with fungicides at the first sign of problems.

Hardiness:

Zucchini plants are not a hardy plant. It is susceptible to frost in the spring and fall. They are also very susceptible to insects and disease. Fortunately, these prolific producers overcome these threats to produce a bountiful crop. As you plan to grow, them make sure those plans in

More Information:

Garden Recipes - Find Squash recipes and garden recipes galore!

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