{"id":459,"date":"2023-03-25T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-25T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=459"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:51:12","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:51:12","slug":"how-to-grow-zucchini","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-zucchini\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Zucchini &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/How-to-Grow-Zucchini.png\" alt=\"zucchini plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nZucchini, which are known botanically as Cucurbita Pepo, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing zucchini as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-zucchini\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Zucchini\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Zucchini\">Best Time to Plant Zucchini<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-zucchini\/#How_to_Plant_Zucchini_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Zucchini the Right Way\">How to Plant Zucchini the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-zucchini\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Zucchini\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Zucchini\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Zucchini<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-zucchini\/#How_Much_to_Water_Zucchini\" title=\"How Much to Water Zucchini\">How Much to Water Zucchini<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-zucchini\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Zucchini_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Zucchini to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Zucchini to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-zucchini\/#When_to_Harvest_Zucchini\" title=\"When to Harvest Zucchini\">When to Harvest Zucchini<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-zucchini\/#What_Can_Zucchini_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Zucchini Be Used For?\">What Can Zucchini Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-zucchini\/#Can_Zucchini_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Zucchini Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Zucchini Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-zucchini\/#Are_Zucchini_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Zucchini Safe for Bees?\">Are Zucchini Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Zucchini\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Zucchini<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the zucchini seeds early summer, when temperatures are at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit or more. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when zucchini are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Zucchini_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Zucchini the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing zucchini in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your zucchini grow. Generally, your soil should be \u00a0soil with good drainage and rich in loam. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6.0 to 7.5.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a018&#8243; apart in rows. roughly 3&#8242; apart in rows. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about \u00a01&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your zucchini seedlings 9&#8243;-12&#8243; tall and 2&#8242; across. when plants are 3&#8243; tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Zucchini\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Zucchini<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your zucchini. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your zucchini should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more. <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Zucchini\"><\/span>How Much to Water Zucchini<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your zucchini do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your zucchini begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Zucchini_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Zucchini to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your zucchini grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately 7-10 days to germinate, and a total of 63 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Zucchini\"><\/span>When to Harvest Zucchini<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your zucchini is when it&#8217;s approximately six inches long, and it&#8217;s the correct mature color according to the variety of zucchini you&#8217;ve planted.<\/p>\n<p>Zucchini can grow up to about 6 to 8 inches.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Zucchini_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Zucchini Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> Great when grilled, steamed, saut\u00e9ed, or boiled.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> Tender and firm with an excellent flavor.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Zucchini_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Zucchini Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, but you would need a 36+ container because zucchinis have long tab root. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your zucchini around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Zucchini_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Zucchini Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, zucchini are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing zucchini is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Zucchini, which are known botanically as Cucurbita Pepo, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing zucchini as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Zucchini This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the zucchini seeds early summer, when temperatures are at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit or more. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when zucchini are most likely to thrive in your <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":415,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[231,18],"tags":[22,49],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/459"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=459"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/459\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":878,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/459\/revisions\/878"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/415"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=459"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=459"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=459"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}