Squash – Zucchini Dark Green

Dark Green Zucchini is a most popular and versatile squash. This cylindrical fruit 15–18 cm (6-7") in length is very easy to grow. The creamy white flesh is firm, flavorful, and terrific for baking nutritious cakes, breads, or muffins. Also great raw and sautéed. Even the flowers are edible!

Growing Tips

When to Plant

Sow directly into the garden once the danger of frost has passed or for an earlier crop, start indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost using 3-4” Jiffy peat pots and make sure to weather/harden off the plants before setting them in the ground.

Location/Soil

Best when planted in a rich, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Transplants should only go into the garden once soil is completely warmed.

Planting & Growing Information

Sow seeds 2.5 cm (1″) deep and sow 5-6 seeds per hill or 5 cm (2″) apart. Plants should be spaced/thinned to 2 or 3 of the strongest plants per hill or 15 cm (6″) apart. Rows should be spaced 1.5-1.8 m (5-6′) apart.

Seeds germinate in approximately 5-12 days.

52 Days to Maturity

From date directly sown in garden.

Other Information

Keep soil adequately moist throughout the season and give plants a nice deep watering once a week.

Water around the base of the plant and be careful to avoid splashing dirt onto the leaves which can transfer diseases from the soil to the plants.

Harvesting & Storage

For best quality and flavor, zucchinis should be harvested when young. Most varieties are best picked when fruits are approximately 10-20 cm (4-8”) long.

Regular harvesting will increase the yield.

Zucchinis that get overly large are perfectly suited for muffins and breads.

Like other summer squashes, zucchinis do not keep for a long time. Refrigerate and use within a week.

After all danger of frost, in a sunny location, sow a few seeds spaced evenly over a hill 9 to 12 inches tall and 2 feet across. When the plants are 3 inches tall, thin by cutting all but the 3 strongest seedlings per hill. To avoid weeding, mulch heavily around plants and in the rows.

Pick summer squash early and often. Not picking will stop the production of the plants. Ready to harvest just after blossom falls from fruit and fruit can be easily dented with a thumbnail.

Additional information

Weight            3.5 g

Difficulty         

Easy

Sowing          

Direct, Indoor

Root cellar     

No

Sowing season        

Spring, Summer