🥦 Zucchini
Cucurbita pepo
vegetables
fruit (culinary vegetable, summer squash)
☀️ Sun
Full sun (6, 8+ hours); one of the most sun-demanding vegetables
💧 Water
High; 1, 2 inches per week; heavy mulching retains moisture; water at base to prevent powdery mildew on leaves
🗺️ Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
🧪 Soil pH
6.0, 7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline)
🪴 Soil Type
Very rich, well-drained soil with heavy compost amendment; squash are notoriously heavy feeders , plant in old compost piles for spectacular results
🚿 Drainage
Moisture-retentive but well-drained; raised mounds (hills) preferred for drainage and warmth
📏 Spacing
24, 36 inches apart in rows 48, 60 inches apart; bush varieties need slightly less
⏱️ Maturity
45-55 days (from seed); harvest at 6-8 inches for best quality
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ Fruit (entire young zucchini)
🍽️ Flowers (male blossoms , stuffed, fried)
🍽️ Seeds (roasted)
Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone
🤝 Companions (7)
🤝 Bean (bush/pole)
Beans fix nitrogen that zucchini heavily consumes; a perfect nutritional pairing
Attracts bees ensuring excellent pollination; improves zucchini growth and flavor; adds minerals to soil
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators
Attracts predatory wasps that parasitize squash bugs and cucumber beetles; improves growth
Suppresses root-knot nematodes; repels squash bugs and cucumber beetles
Repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and whiteflies; trap crop for aphids; edible flowers attract pollinators IMPORTANT management caveat: without active management, nasturtiums can become a SOURCE of aphids that migrate to nearby crops. Either remove aphid-infested nasturtium plants promptly, or treat the trap crop itself to eliminate the aphid colony before it spreads. Strategic placement within 4-5 feet of protected crops is key.
Repels squash vine borers and cucumber beetles; fast-growing , harvested before zucchini sprawls
⚠️ Keep Apart (3)
Allelopathic , strongly inhibits squash growth
Both heavy feeders; compete for nutrients; potatoes may promote diseases affecting squash
Cross-pollination risk for seed saving; can attract massed pests; competition for space and nutrients
💊 Medicinal Uses
Medicinal Properties
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and manganese; low calorie, high fiber
- Contains significant potassium (helpful for blood pressure)
- High water content , hydrating; easily digestible, often used as one of first baby foods
- Traditional: zucchini poultice used externally for skin inflammation
📝 Growing Notes
Zucchini is a summer squash , harvested immature with soft skin. One or two plants feed a family (they're famously prolific!). Powdery mildew is the most common disease , prevent with good air circulation, water at base. Hand-pollinate if bee activity is low. Harvest at 6, 8 inches for best flavor and texture. Male flowers appear first, female flowers have tiny fruit at base.
🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Botanical Interests
True Leaf Market
Burpee
Territorial Seed Company
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