Growing zucchini

Types

Summer squash (Cucurbita pepo), including zucchini, crookneck, straightneck, patty pan and other similar types, is common in Minnesota vegetable gardens. Type list on their sheet — not a ranking.

Habit

Some summer squash varieties form long, rambling vines; others are bush types. Habit on their sheet — not a ranking.

Spacing

Sow seeds about a half-inch deep; for vining types, sow two inches apart and allow about two or three feet of space on either side of the row. Spacing on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Spacing

After emergence, thin seedlings to stand eight to 12 inches apart; a hill of three or four seeds sown close together is another way, with five to six feet between hills. Spacing on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Spacing

Bush types, with very short vines, can be planted in closely spaced hills or rows, with only two to three feet between rows or hills. Spacing on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Pollination

Squash plants have separate male and female flowers; a slender stem attaches male flowers to the plant; female flowers grow close to the main vine with a small round ovary (the unfertilized fruit) between the flower and the vine. An insect must move pollen from male to female flowers; bees are common squash pollinators. Flower/pollination context on their sheet — not a diagnosis.

Cover

Their sheet says row covers are removed from the plants once flowering begins so pollinating insects can reach the flowers. Pollination/cover context on their sheet — not a requirement.

Limit

Minnesota summer-squash sheet. Not a trellis measurement.

Types

Their sheet lists yellow (straight and crookneck), zucchini, and scallop among summer squash types. Type list on their sheet — not a cultivar ranking.

Spacing

Plant in full sun in rows spaced 3 feet apart; seeds ½ inch deep and 4 to 6 inches apart; thin at one to two true leaves to 12 to 15 inches, selecting the most vigorous; transplants 15 inches apart. Spacing on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Spacing

Squash can also be planted in hills — rows 4 to 6 feet apart, hills 3 to 4 feet apart in the row, two or three seeds per hill. Spacing on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Pollination

Squash have separate male and female flowers on the same plant; the female flowers have a swollen portion of stem immediately below the flower that will turn into the developing fruit. Pollinating insects such as bees and wasps are necessary to transfer pollen to the female flower. Flower/pollination context on their sheet — not a diagnosis.

Limit

South Carolina summer-squash sheet. Not a trellis measurement.

Types

Zucchini types are long and cylindrical, often dark green; some varieties are lighter, yellow, or even white. Type note on their sheet — not a cultivar ranking.

Spacing

Sow 4 to 5 seeds per hill, hills 3 to 4 feet apart, then thin to 2 to 3 plants per hill by snipping; in rows, sow 4 inches apart in rows 4 to 5 feet apart, then thin to one plant every 12 to 24 inches. Spacing on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Container

Their sheet lists outdoor containers as a special location and says summer squash requires a large container. Container note on their sheet — not a pot-size ranking.

Limit

New York squash sheet only.

Types

Their sheet lists three main summer squash types — yellow straight-neck or crooked neck; white, saucer-shaped scallop or patty pan; and oblong green, gray, or gold zucchini. Type list — not a ranking.

Spacing

Hills (two to three plants per hill) 3–4 ft in-row × 4–6 ft between rows; single plants 2–3 ft in-row × 3–5 ft between rows. Spacing on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Container

Their sheet lists starting seeds indoors in 3-inch diameter containers. Container size on their sheet — not a BioArva how-to.

Pollination

Members of the squash family produce male flowers for 1 to 2 weeks before female flowers appear — a normal growth habit that varies with cultivars. For a flower to develop into a fruit, pollen must be carried by bees from male flowers (on the same plant or different plants) to the female flower (the one with the tiny squash below the flower). Pollination context on their sheet — not a diagnosis.

Limit

Maryland summer-squash sheet. Pollination is not a diagnosis.

Habit

Summer squash grows on non-vining bushes; the three main types include yellow straight neck or crooked neck; white saucer-shaped scallop or patty pan; and oblong green, gray, or gold zucchini. Type/habit on their sheet — not a ranking.

Spacing

Spacing 3 to 4 feet by 4 to 6 feet for hills with two to three plants per hill; 2 to 3 feet by 3 to 5 feet for single plants. Spacing on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Limit

Virginia 426-406 only. Habit is not a trellis prescription.

Container

Their article lists a 16–20 inch diameter container. Dimension on their article — not a BioArva pot ranking.

Limit

Contra Costa Master Gardener container article only.