Growing Zucchini From Seeds

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Ever dream of having a bounty of fresh zucchini at your fingertips all summer long? Well, guess what? It's easier than you think! I'm Meg, and I've been growing mountains of zucchini for over 20 years (seriously, I practically have the stuff overtaking my garden right now!).

In this post, I'm sharing all my secrets on how to grow zucchini from seeds, whether you're a complete beginner or just looking for some expert tips. We'll cover everything from choosing the perfect seeds to getting the most beautiful, tastiest zucchini you've ever seen.

Jump to:

• Why You Should Grow Zucchini
• Choosing Seed Variety
• When to Plant Zucchini Seeds
• Planting Zucchini: Direct Sowing Zucchini Seeds
• Planting Zucchini Seeds Indoors
• Growing Strong Plants
• Common Issues and Management
• Pollination and Harvest
• Beneficial for pollination and pest control:
• Space savers and nitrogen fixers
• Companion Planting
• Things to avoid planting with zucchini
• How to harvest zucchini seeds
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is the Best Soil for Zucchini?
• That's a Wrap!
• Recent Garden Posts:
• Comments

Why You Should Grow Zucchini

• Homegrown zucchini is fresher and has better flavor compared to store-bought options.
• Garden-to-table satisfaction. Enjoy the reward of nurturing your own food from seed to harvest. Try my recipe for Easy Roasted Zucchini!
• Zucchini plants are prolific producers, giving you a surplus of fresh veggies. It's like the old Midwestern joke about locking your cars in June to keep your neighbor from sticking a bag of zucchinis in it!
• It's super cost-effective. Skip the grocery store and grow your own zucchini for free (after the initial seed purchase).

Choosing Seed Variety

Zucchini comes in a surprising array of shapes, sizes, and colors! Here are a few popular options to consider (be sure to double check which varieties will thrive in your climate):

• Classic Green Zucchini: This reliable variety produces dark green, cylindrical fruits. My favorite variety to grow is called Fordhook. You can see it in the picture below.
• Golden Zucchini: These bright yellow zucchini have a slightly sweeter flavor than their green counterparts. In my experience, they are no different to grow than the green varieties: same pest pressure, rapid growth, prolific harvest.
• Round Zucchini: Ideal for stuffing, these compact, round zucchinis are a fun alternative to the long and slender varieties. I've never actually grown these in my garden, so I can't help you with specific questions here.
• Cocozelle Zucchini: This heirloom zucchini are one of my favorites! They have beautiful green and yellow striped skin and a deliciously nutty flavor. I don't grow these, either, but my aunt always hooks us up every summer and they are delicious! She says they are easy growers.

When to Plant Zucchini Seeds

Zucchini is a warm-season crop that thrives in full sun with warm soil temperatures (at least 70°F).  Wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area (typically late spring or early June for most) before planting seeds directly outdoors.

For a head start in cooler climates, consider starting seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before your last frost date and transplanting healthy seedlings once the soil warms.

Knowing your frost-free planting date (typically the last frost in spring) is a good starting point.  Check out your local planting guides or extension office for specific recommendations on planting dates for your climate zone, or by going to the USDA website.

Planting Zucchini: Direct Sowing Zucchini Seeds

Zucchini thrives in loose soil rich in organic matter. Amend your planting bed with compost or aged manure before sowing. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal results. Wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 70°F (21°C) and there's no risk of frost.

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden, 1 inch deep and spaced 3-4 inches apart.
2. Alternatively, plant seeds in groups of 3-4 in mounds spaced 3-6 feet apart. 
3. Thin the seedlings later to the strongest plant per mound.
4. Water the seeds thoroughly after planting.

• NOTE:  For container gardening, choose bush types that require less space. Use larger pots (at least 3 gallons) with drainage holes and a good quality potting mix.

Planting Zucchini Seeds Indoors

Starting seeds indoors can give you a head start on the season, especially in cooler climates. Begin seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before your last expected frost date.

Containers and Potting Mix

• Choose individual pots at least 3 inches deep with drainage holes. My favorite plastic pots are from Bootstrap Farmer.  I have the 1020 base trays and either the 32-pot insert or the 3" pot inserts. Both are great, but the slightly bigger size of the 3" pot gives me a little extra time before I have to transplant or pot up the young plants.
• Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. I've been using a blend of one bag Premium Promix combined with Burpees seed starting mix for the past few years and it's worked well.

Planting and Care

1. When planting zucchini seeds indoors, plant 1-2 seeds per pot, about ½ inch deep.
2. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
3. Place zucchini seedlings in a sunny location (ideally a south-facing window) or provide supplemental grow lights.
4. Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting outdoors once the soil temperature is warm and danger of frost has passed.

Tip: Regardless of the method you choose, consider using row covers to protect young seedlings from unexpected cold snaps or pesky insects.

Growing Strong Plants

• Watering:  Zucchini plants are thirsty! Provide consistent moisture throughout the growing season, especially during fruit production. Aim for at least an inch of water per week, delivered slowly with a soaker hose to avoid overhead watering that can spread disease. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
• Feeding:  For best results, fertilize your zucchini plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer like a cup of complete organic fertilizer diluted in a gallon of water. Alternatively, sidedress your plants with a few inches of well-rotted manure around the base but not touching the stem.

Common Issues and Management

• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as white spots on leaves. Improve air circulation by removing large leaves and water at the base of the plants, not overhead. Organic fungicides can be used if necessary.
• Squash bugs and vine borers: These pests can damage stems and stunt plant growth. Look for signs of damage and remove pests by hand. Row covers can help prevent them from reaching your plants.
• Cucumber beetles: These beetles can spread diseases and damage flowers. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for control.

Pollination and Harvest

Zucchini has separate male and female flowers. The female flower has a small swelling at the base, while the male flower has a slender stem. 

Good pollination is essential for fruit production. You can encourage pollination by hand transferring pollen from male flowers to female flowers with a cotton swab.

The best time to harvest zucchini fruit is when it's young and tender, reaching 6-8 inches long with a firm, slightly glossy skin. Use a sharp knife to cut the stem from the vine, leaving about an inch of stem attached to the fruit.

For a continuous harvest throughout the summer, practice succession planting. Sow seeds every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season.

Beneficial for pollination and pest control:

• Nasturtiums: These vibrant flowering plants attract pollinators like bees and hoverflies, which can help improve zucchini fruit set. Nasturtiums also act as a trap crop, attracting aphids away from your zucchini plants.
• Marigolds:  Marigolds deter a variety of pests with their strong scent, including squash bugs, aphids, and whiteflies. They also add a splash of color to your vegetable garden.
• Borage: Borage attracts pollinators and releases beneficial compounds into the soil that can help deter pests and diseases. The flowers are also edible and can be added to salads or cocktails. I've been planting borage with my tomatoes and summer squash for several years now and love it!

Space savers and nitrogen fixers

Be sure to read my post Cheap Ways to Add Nitrogen to Soil if you want a deeper dive!

• Beans: Bush beans are a good companion plant for zucchini as they grow quickly and don't take up much space. Additionally, beans are nitrogen fixers, meaning they add nitrogen to the soil, which benefits zucchini growth.
• Corn: In warmer growing zones with a long growing season, corn can provide some shade for zucchini plants during the hottest part of the day. Just be sure to plant the corn at the north end of your zucchini row to avoid blocking sunlight.

Companion Planting

Consider planting companion plants like nasturtiums near your zucchini to help deter pests naturally. ​Planting herbs like dill, oregano, or thyme near your zucchini can help deter some pests with their strong scent. Additionally, these herbs can be conveniently harvested alongside your zucchini.

Things to avoid planting with zucchini

• Potatoes and zucchini compete for similar nutrients in the soil and can hinder each other's growth.
• Large vining plants like pumpkins and winter squash can crowd out your zucchini and compete for resources.

How to harvest zucchini seeds

1. Saving seeds from your favorite zucchini plants is a great way to ensure a future harvest with zero cost!
2. Choose a healthy, mature zucchini from an open-pollinated variety (not a hybrid).
3. Allow the zucchini to grow well past its typical harvest size, until it begins to turn yellow or orange.
4. Cut the zucchini open and scoop out the seeds.
5. Wash the seeds thoroughly to remove any pulp, then spread them on a paper towel in a warm, well-ventilated area to dry completely.
6. Once dry, store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark location for up to 5 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Soil for Zucchini?

• Zucchini thrives in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter.
• Amend your planting bed with compost or aged manure before sowing seeds to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.
• Loamy soil is ideal, offering good drainage while retaining some moisture.
• I'm using raised beds that were filled with the Hügelkultur method. You can see more about how we did it here. Each bed gets topped off with a layer of aged compost from our manure/hay pile in the spring and the soil is covered with straw, hemp shavings or other organic material to protect the soil from drying out.  
• If you are searching for a packaged garden soil, I've had great luck with Happy Frog and Premium ProMix.

That's a Wrap!

I hope this was helpful and you now feel confident to start growing zucchini in your garden! Every year we plant a large garden bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables that grow well in garden zone 6B. Here are guides to my favorite (and most successful!) garden crops. From Tomatoes to Potatoes and Garlic Scapes to Pumpkins, browse around to learn from my experience in the garden!

YOU WILL ALSO ENJOY READING:

• Are Coffee Grounds Good for Tomatoes?
• Cheap Ways to Add Nitrogen to the Soil
• Pros and Cons of Cedar Mulch
• Guide to Harvesting and Preserving Garlic Scapes

Happy gardening!

- Meg

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