The zucchini is a pumpkin plant and is mainly known from the Mediterranean cuisine. Its cultivation is easy and can also be tackled by laypeople.

outdoor cultivation

Zucchini plants are mainly grown in the garden. This can be in the vegetable patch in a mixed culture or in the raised bed. You can also use a gap in the flower bed for the zucchini. Especially since the zucchini itself develops flowers that are worth seeing.

The zucchini is an annual plant and must therefore be planted anew every year. You can get zucchini plants at the garden center. You can also grow them yourself from seed. The plants can be placed in the bed from mid-May. Direct sowing into the bed is also possible at this time.

Zucchini plants usually grow bushy and hardly form tendrils. Each plant needs at least one to two square meters of space so that the leaves and fruits can fully develop. However, you only need one or two plants for a bountiful harvest.

If you have decided on a climbing variety, you can guide the tendrils upwards using climbing aids and thus save cultivation area. Trellis, wooden fences or stretched ropes are suitable as climbing aids.

Ingredients for successful growth

  • a sunny, sheltered location
  • enough space to spread out
  • loose, humus-rich soil
  • sufficient nutrients, the proximity to the compost is favourable
  • regular watering

Suitable varieties for outdoor cultivation

The range of zucchini varieties is very diverse. If you like the classic green zucchini, then you are right with "Defender" and "Diamant". "Gold Rush F1" and "Soleil" bear yellow fruits and you get pumpkin-round fruits with the varieties "Satelite" and "One Ball F1".

Growing zucchini in the greenhouse

Growing zucchini in a greenhouse is difficult. Due to the humid climate, the plants are very susceptible to powdery mildew. If you still want to try it, you should select the varieties 'Defender F' and 'Black Forest F1'. If you place a plant right next to the door, you can always provide fresh air.

In a bucket for the balcony

Even if you don't have a garden, you don't have to do without the cultivation of the delicious fruits. If the zucchini is planted in a bucket, it will also thrive on the balcony.

A sufficiently large bucket, a place in the sun, enough nutrients and water are important.
Compact plants that only spread moderately like the "Patiostar F1" variety are suitable for cultivation in tubs.

tips and tricks

Growing zucchini is not only worthwhile because of the fruit. The decorative flowers are also a delicacy. Feel free to try them fried, baked, as a side salad or deliciously filled.

Category:

Vegetable garden