Explain How Zucchini Grows

Germination

• Zucchini seeds that are fresh, less than two years old, sprout in warm spring soil 10 to 14 days after planting if provided sufficient moisture. Water seeds every day in the morning until they sprout, then every two to three days in dry weather as they grow into seedlings. The embryonic plant pushes up through the soil surface, opening up into two miniature leaves that enlarge as the days pass, with more leaves growing from the central base.

Summer Bush Varieties

• Summer bush varieties of zucchini grow from a central base into a bush shape up to 2 feet high and 3 feet in diameter. The base sends up multiple large green leaves on long stalks and produces large yellow flowers in mid to late spring. The flowers grow into zucchini fruits within 40 days of planting. The small zucchini fruit should be picked within the first 10 to 20 days for the tastiest, most edible harvest. If left on the plant longer, they will develop thick rinds, tough skin and bitter flavor.

Winter Vining Varieties

• Winter vining varieties of zucchini grow from a central base and send out multiple traveling vines that grow up to 30 feet in length. The vines send roots into the soil they come in contact with and grip adjacent foliage and supports with curly tendrils. Vines will grow up trellises, cover fences and arbors, and take over other plants around it, cutting off sunlight and killing them. The vines are relatively lightweight but strong and can pull down flimsy supports. The vines flower in early to mid summer and start growing zucchini fruits that reach 2 to 3 feet in length and weigh a couple of pounds by early to mid autumn. Winter zucchini can keep up to three months if stored properly, in dark, cool, dry conditions, or up to six months with refrigeration.

Harvesting

• Both types of zucchini are easy to grow with little effort other than attention to spacing for plants and adequate water. The biggest challenges presented by growing zucchini are space for vines and bountiful harvests. Summer zucchini are best eaten fresh but can be blanched and frozen. Winter zucchini are large; and when there are more than four harvested, their use and storage can become challenging. They can be shredded or pureed to freeze or bake into quick breads and muffins or grilled, baked and sauteed.