The zucchini is a pumpkin plant and is primarily known from Mediterranean cuisine. It is easy to grow and can even be tackled by laypeople.
How to grow zucchini successfully?
When growing zucchini, plants need a sunny, wind-protected location, enough space, loose humus-rich soil, nutrients and regular watering. Suitable varieties are “Defender”, “Diamant”, “Gold Rush F1” and “Soleil”. It is also possible to grow containers on balconies.
Outdoor cultivation
Zucchini plants are mainly grown in the garden. This can be in mixed culture in the vegetable patch or in raised beds. 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 therefore needs to be grown every year. You can get zucchini plants at garden stores. You can also grow them yourself from seeds. 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 any tendrils. In order for leaves and fruits to fully develop, each plant needs at least one to two square meters of space. However, you only need one or two plants for a rich harvest.
If you have decided on a climbing variety, you can guide the tendrils up using a climbing aid and thus save cultivation space. Trellises (€279.00 on Amazon), wooden fences or tensioned ropes are suitable as climbing aids.
Ingredients for successful growth
- a sunny, wind-protected location
- ample space to spread out
- loose, humus-rich soil
- sufficient nutrients, proximity to compost is convenient
- regular watering
Suitable varieties for outdoor cultivation
The range of zucchini varieties is very diverse. If you like the classic green zucchini, then “Defender” and “Diamant” are the right choice. “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. The humid climate makes the plants very susceptible to powdery mildew. If you still want to try it out, you should choose 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 the bucket for the balcony
Even if you don't have a garden, you don't have to miss out on growing the delicious fruits. If the zucchini is planted in a pot, it will also thrive on the balcony.
It is important to have a sufficiently large pot, a place in the sun, enough nutrients and water. Compact plants that only spread moderately, such as the “Patiostar F1” variety, are suitable for growing in a pot..
Tips & Tricks
Growing zucchini is not just worth it because of the fruits. The decorative flowers are also a delicacy. Try them fried, baked, as a side salad or deliciously stuffed.
