The undemanding zucchini is an ideal vegetable for the balcony. Some varieties only require little space and are therefore also suitable for cultivation in pots. With the right conditions, you can give your balcony zucchini a good start.

The right vessel

While a larger gap in the bed is sufficient for growing zucchini in the garden, the balcony zucchini needs a sufficiently large container. So that the plant can spread well, it should be a bucket with a capacity of at least 15 liters. A good size is a pot about 40 cm in diameter. Flower boxes are unsuitable (€16.99), they offer the plant neither space nor support.

The larger the bucket, the more productive the plant. You have to keep in mind, however, that the bucket becomes quite heavy due to the irrigation water. If you cannot assess how stable your balcony is, it is better to choose a smaller bucket.

To avoid waterlogging, a drainage hole in the bottom is necessary. If you cover it with shards of pottery or stones, the irrigation water can drain off without washing out the soil.

A sunny place

On the balcony, the zucchini needs a location that is in the sun for at least a few hours. Ideally, this is the south-facing balcony.

soil, fertilizing, watering

Use nutrient-rich soil to fill the planter. You can also mix in compost. Horn shavings (€32.93) and liquid fertilizer are also suitable for supplying nutrients.

Zucchini plants need a lot of water. Regular watering is important, especially during the flowering period and in midsummer.

Suitable zucchini varieties for the balcony

  • Black Forrest F1 with 10 - 25 cm long, green fruits, space-saving, climbing plant, tendrils can be guided upwards on a climbing aid
  • Patiostar F1: compact plant with dark green fruits
  • Summer Ball F1 with golden yellow round fruits
  • Mini zucchini piccolo F1, green striped fruit

You can grow zucchini plants yourself from seeds without much effort or buy them in the garden center.

fruits and flowers

Once the zucchini has been planted, it takes about 6 - 8 weeks before you can harvest the first fruits. The young fruits taste best and with an early harvest you increase the further yield. Until then, the edible, white or yellow flowers will decorate your balcony.

tips and tricks

Instead of a flower pot, you can also grow your zucchini in a disused paint pot or bucket of water. It is important that the container is cleaned well before use.

Category:

Vegetable garden