How to Grow Zucchini

The Most Productive Vegetable

Zucchini (courgette) is perhaps the most productive vegetable per square metre in the summer garden. A single well-grown plant can produce 6–10 zucchinis per week at peak. This productivity is both a joy and a challenge.

Growing Requirements

Zucchini needs full sun, warm soil (above 18°C), rich, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture. Direct sow or transplant seedlings after the last frost. Space generously — a mature zucchini plant spreads 1–1.5m. Each plant needs a minimum of 1m² of space.

Pollination

Zucchini produces separate male and female flowers. The female flower has a tiny zucchini at its base. If early female flowers drop without developing into fruit, pollination has failed. Hand-pollinate with a soft brush or transfer pollen with a male flower early in the morning.

Managing the Glut

Harvest zucchini when 15–20cm long for the best flavour and texture. Left on the plant, they become marrows (enormous and less palatable). Check plants every two days in peak season — zucchini can grow from harvest-ready to marrow in 48 hours.