Growing Times
Zucchini/Courgette can take up to 3 weeks to germinate and then fruit can be ripe for picking any time between 90-120 days after germination.
When To Plant
Zucchini/Courgette should be planted once all risk of frosts has passed, and overnight temperatures are warmer.
Size
Zucchini/Courgette plants grow can grow quite large once they spread out their large leafs.
You should allow approximately 1 metre square for your plant to spread out.
Growing Conditions
Zucchini/Courgette like to grow in warm weather with warm soil.
They can be pretty resilient in winds but prefer a spot which is slightly sheltered if available.
Soil quality doesn’t have to be perfect, but a well composted site will certainly help your crop.
Maintenance
Water regularly, particularly during the hotter days.
Liquid fertiliser can be provided every 5-6 weeks during the growing period, but don’t be tempted to feed your plant more than this as it can cause the plant to create more and bigger leaves, at the expense of the fruit.
Keep any eye out for powdery mildew. Watering at the base of the plant, rather than spraying it from above will help avoid this disease.
Once the crop is finished, or colder temperatures start to damage the plant, remove it from the ground and compost it.
Harvesting
The more Zucchini/Courgette you pick, the more you will usually get.
Zucchini/Courgette should be harvested when they are the size of a large finger. Don’t allow the fruit to grow too large as they become watery and stringy.
Storage
Zucchini/Courgette will keep well in the fridge for a few weeks, but if you want to use store them longer terms, you can cut them into rounds, blanch them and freeze them for easy use later on.
If you want to use them in cakes etc, grate the Zucchini/Courgette and store it in portions in the freezer.
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