Green, cylindrical squash are what most people think of when they think of zucchini, but the color can vary from a solid, deep green, to lighter shades with streaks or blotches of darker green. There are also bright yellow and bi-color cultivars. Shapes also vary from the typical long thin cylinder, to bulbous at one end, to egg-shaped and even round. Pay close attention to the size of harvest for each zucchini variety in the descriptions below, and try to harvest at or near that size.
Cylindrical zucchini should be harvested at the recommended size or smaller, while heirloom, bulbous zucchini can be harvested a little larger. Flavor, of course, is another consideration. Most zucchini are bland, and take on the flavoring of what they're cooked with. They offer a pleasant, moist crunchy texture to vegetable sautes. But some have an almost nutty flavor. The Middle Eastern Cousa squash are known for deep flavor and dense flesh that stands up well to grilling.
Vine Size and Habit are another thing to consider to when selecting among zucchini varieties. Even bush-type zucchini need ' 1 m of space to grow in. Heirloom and older zucchini types can be larger, and take up more space.
They may also have spines on the stems of the fruit or ribs of the leaves. Some heirloom and most of the newer hybrid zucchini varieties are selected for compact, bushy habits and minimal spines, so they're easier to harvest, and work better in small gardens. Finally, Disease Resistance can be important for some gardeners. If you live in a wet climate, look for varieties with some resistance to powdery mildew, and allow more space between plants for better air circulation.
If yellow mosaic virus is a problem in your area, look for resistant zucchini varieties. Organic seeds are, by definition, non-GMO. Most varieties featured here are organic, but some varieties are only available as non-organic seed. Don't let this prevent you from trying a variety that looks interesting. The way the plants are grown without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides is the primary determinant of whether they're grown organically.
Links to buy seeds go to seed companies that offer that variety. We are affiliates of Seeds Now. This method prevents you from disturbing the roots during transplant. You can use straw, paper, or even plastic mulch to help the plants retain that all-important moisture, and to discourage weeds that will compete for water and nutrition.
Leave at least a couple of inches between the main stem of each plant and the mulch, to discourage mulch-borne bacteria from contacting the plant. Plants require inches of water per week, and thrive in soil that is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to avoid too much moisture on the leaves, as this can encourage the spread of disease. And what about fertilizer? If you amended your soil with compost at the time of planting, you may not need to fertilize your plants at all during the growing season.
However, you can apply an all-purpose, balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 50 percent strength at bloom time. No one wants to come home to a garden full of baseball-bat-sized zucchini! For more information, check out our guide to planting and growing summer squash. There are a number of zucchini cultivars available, including some compact varieties ideal for growing in containers.
This hybrid cultivar has creamy flesh and small seeds, and is best picked when fruits are 4 or 5 inches long. You can find packets of 20 seeds available from Park Seed via Amazon. You can find seeds available from Eden Brothers. This heirloom cultivar has a compact, bush type growth habit, and is ready to harvest in 70 days.
Fruits are between six and eight inches long. You can find seeds in a variety of packet sizes available from Eden Brothers. Other gardeners like the look of golden cultivars.
You can find seeds in a variety of packet sizes available from True Leaf Market. Read more about growing golden zucchini here. Our guide to common zucchini pests will help you formulate strategies for coping with common issues with pests such as squash vine borers, squash bugs , whiteflies , and cucumber beetles.
You can learn all about how to prevent and treat zucchini diseases, including blossom end rot, mold, and powdery mildew in this guide.
To keep them stay fresh and firm longer, leave an inch of the stem attached when you lop the squash off the vine.
If you harvest regularly, the plant will keep producing. On average, you can expect about 8 pounds of fruit from each transplant over the course of the growing season. The harvested fruit can usually sit on the counter in a cool, dry place without harm for a couple of days. A day or two in the refrigerator can really dry it out. One method I absolutely swear by is pickling extra zucchini.
Fruit is usually ready to pick in about 60 days. Picking zucchini encourages growth. To slow fruit production, leave one or two zucchini on the plant. When left on the plant too long, the seeds become tough and the flesh too fibrous to enjoy.
Zucchini plants grow best in temperate climates, in temperatures up to degrees but not less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants flourish in garden spots that receive six to 10 hours of sunlight each day.
Plant zucchini seeds after the threat of frost has passed at a depth of about 1 inch in well-drained soil. Seeds prefer soil with a pH range between 6. A little butter or olive oil and seasoning are all you need. If grilling isn't your forte, or in the winter, you can cook your zucchini a few other ways. Zucchini can be baked in the oven with other vegetables or by itself with olive oil and spices. Deep fried zucchini fritters are a delicious snack and are slightly healthier than French fries.
When you think of seasoning fruits and vegetables, typically salt and pepper come to mind instantly, but there are a few other ways to spice up your zucchini and they are even salt free. Basil and oregano go incredibly well with zucchini and so do some of our seasoning blends. Our Roasted Garlic Pepper is fantastic for garlic lovers and our Habanero Garlic Pepper is made especially for cooks who are always looking for an added kick. Any way you slice it, zucchini is a great addition to so many dishes and even great on it's own with a few seasonings.
The next time you see them at a roadside stand or farmers market make sure to pick up a few and try out a healthy new recipe. It might surprise you how versatile zucchini can be! Practical advice and recipes for how to create better tasting food using spices and seasonings. All Rights Reserved. Security Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions. Your shopping cart is currently empty. If this is an error, please contact us.
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