Dark Green Zucchini Guide

This early maturing dark green zucchini, or courgetti, vigorously produces fruit reaching 6-8” all summer long. Steam, sauté, or stir fry the tender flesh when they are young or pick them later to throw on a sizzling BBQ or bake zucchini bread.

TO SOW

Zucchini grows well in warmer temperatures between 70°F-95°F. They do great in containers and gardens. Bank on Seeds recommends direct seeding.

If Direct Seeding

• Direct seed outside 4 weeks after last frost date; or

• Direct seed into a container 12-24 inches deep and wide anytime of the year. It can be placed outside when the temperature is between 70°F-95°F; or

If Transplanting

Begin the growing season early and start the zucchini seeds indoors in pods a week or two before the last frost date; germination is best between 75°F-85°F. It can be transplanted outside 4-6 weeks later.

Sow seeds ½ -1 inch deep and an 24-36 inches apart with rows spaced 36-60 inches apart. Germination will take 4-9 days.

TO GROW

Zucchini is very partial to well-drained fertile soil rich with aged manure or compost. They also love full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Check the top 2-3 inches and if dry, then water the soil. Avoid watering from above and wetting the leaves to deter rot and fungal diseases.

Option to mulch around the plant (not touching it) to deter competing weeds and retain moisture. Use 5-10-10 fertilizer at half strength when the plant begins to bloom.

TO REAP

Dark Green zucchini is full grown (mature) in 65 days. Cut the fruit at the stem near the fruit when they are 4-6” in length. You can wait until they reach 8” or more but then it may be too meaty and not as succulent. Harvest often to encourage the vigorous growth and to provide space for the new fruits.

PESTS/DISEASES

Aphids, cucumber beetles, cutworm, leaf miner, spider mites, borer, thrips, squash bug – handpick or spray off, neem oil, weed often or mulch, cut off infected parts

Leaf blight, wilt, blossom end rot, root rot, mildew – ensure good draining soil and container, ensure lots of air circulation and adequate space for each plant, avoid handling with wet hands or watering from above, keep competing weeds away, cut off affected part, copper-based fungicide, neem oil

*Companion plant zucchini with broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, tomatoes, strawberries, and eggplants. Avoid planting with parsley, cilantro, chives, or basil. *