Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:46 pm
A single zucchini plant can produce almost five kilograms of fruit. That is about 50 pieces. To do this, the summer squash must be able to spread. What should be the distance between the zucchini when planting?
- Growing zucchini perfectly suitable for novice gardeners
- low demands
- high yield
- planting distance at least 60 centimeters
- Tub culture and climbing varieties as an alternative when space is limited
Contents
Zucchini
The Latin name of the zucchini “Cucurbita pepo” translates as “small pumpkin”. This is a reference to its relationship to the pumpkin family, but the popular fruiting vegetable does not really remain small. From a main shoot grows in no time a substantial zucchini plant with large leaves.
Summer squash, as the vegetable is also called, is perfect for beginners. Anyone who wants to start growing vegetables will quickly succeed with this undemanding plant.
Tip: Zucchini fruits contain a lot of water and only a few calories. This makes them excellent for weight loss.
The optimal zucchini location is:
- sunny to semi-shady
- rich in nutrients
- deep
- humus
- permeable
Care needs
fertilize with compost at the start
water regularly
avoid waterlogging
do not wet leaves with water to protect from mildew
once a week provide with nettle liquid manure
mulch with lawn clippings
Space requirements
Zucchini plants grow very quickly. They just keep moving through the bed. Very quickly they have occupied an area of two square meters.
Plant zucchini plants in a bed fertilized with compost after the Ice Saints in May. When planting zucchini, plan for a spacing of at least 60×60 centimeters, but better 80×80 centimeters between each specimen. The optimal area for one zucchini plant is one square meter.
Note: Do not be deterred by the large space required. Remember that you only need a few plants to meet the needs of a family.
Solutions for lack of space
So the spacing that zucchini requires when planting will quickly shrink garden space. But if there is then not enough space on the bed, you do not have to give up the healthy summer squash. There are clever alternatives:
- Tub culture: zucchini plants thrive excellently in tub culture. Choose large containers with a depth of 30 to 40 centimeters. We recommend placing two zucchini plants to ensure fertilization. Be aware of the high water and nutrient requirements of tub plants!
- Climbing varieties: the enormous space requirements of zucchini plants have prompted growers to look for alternatives. After all, other plants should also find space in the garden. Climbing zucchini varieties are a good solution. They grow up to two meters high on climbing frames.
Frequently asked questions
What should be considered when sowing zucchini outdoors?
In May, you can sow zucchini directly into the open ground. When the small plantlets have emerged, they must be pricked out and later planted apart.
What can be the reason if zucchini fruits taste bitter?
The bitter taste is usually a reaction to lack of water. This is common with vigorous-growing varieties such as zucchini, squash and cucumbers. Water regularly. From July to August, water needs are highest. Then the plants need water daily unless it rains heavily.
What varieties are suitable as bed partners?
Zucchini vegetables can be well combined with onions, cucumbers or lettuce. Keep the planting distance even in mixed culture. Zucchini plants will otherwise make their way without consideration. We recommend sowing marigolds on the zucchini patch. They attract bees other pollinators with their bright flowers.