Zucchini: Cut Off The Leaves Or Not?

Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:45 pm

The zucchini (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo convar. giromontiina) has relatively large leaves and is a bulky growing squash. The expert explains how important the zucchini leaves are and how and when it is better to cut them off.

• Zucchini leaves have important functions
• cut off only when absolutely necessary
• especially in case of diseases and pests
• never cut off all the leaves

Importance of the leaves

Without the foliage, zucchini perishes because it needs them for vital photosynthesis, from which the plant derives much of its energy. With each leaf removed, the conversion of chlorophyll to chemical energy is diminished. Less fruit growth, stunted zucchini and, in the worst case, plant death can result.

Furthermore, the large leaves act as a shade provider. They ensure that the soil is not burned by the hot sun and dries out quickly because less water evaporates. Thus, the foliage also has a protective function. So you should think twice about whether you really want to cut off the leaves of the zucchini.

Cutting off when there is a lack of space

In principle, there is nothing wrong with occasionally cutting off one or two leaves. Often, home growers do not consider planting their zucchinis in a location that offers sufficient space in all directions. Then it quickly happens that the large leaves cover neighboring plants, causing them harm. If it is only one or two leaves, the zucchinis will cope, provided that the plants are strong enough.

Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that the plant receives less energy and yellow leaf discoloration may also form. These should also be cut off. Ideally, therefore, it should be considered whether transplanting the neighboring plants is not the better option to avoid any risk.

Cut off leaves: Other reasons

There are valid reasons that make cutting off the leaves of zucchini unavoidable. These include the following:

Disease

Zucchinis are prone to fungal infestations, which can show up as powdery and downy mildew. In both variants, the fungus spreads quickly. If the is detected quickly, you should quickly tackle the control. If the infestation and thus the damage is in an advanced stage with curled leaf edges, you have no choice but to cut off the affected foliage. Otherwise, fruiting will be massively disrupted.

To treat powdery mildew, proceed as follows:

• mix whole or raw milk with water (ratio 1:8)
• fill into spray container
• Spray plant dripping wet (especially leaf surfaces and undersides)
• Frequency of application: every two days
• Treatment duration: two weeks

Tip: Never dispose of foliage affected by the fungus on the compost heap. The fungus easily spreads again from there. Fungus-infested plant parts should always be disposed of with household waste or in the organic waste garbage can.

Pest infestation

Aphids (Aphidoidea) are zucchini’s biggest enemies. Infestations can be recognized by the tiny pests, which often gather in colonies on the stems and leave yellow sucking marks on leaves. Curled leaf edges are typical of an infestation. If they have already settled en masse on the foliage, the quickest and most effective solution is to cut it off. In parallel, you should fight surviving specimens with a solution of baking soda.

Here’s how:

• Add tablespoon of baking soda to 100 milliliters of water and mix together
• fill into spray container
• Spray the plant completely dripping wet
• Frequency of application: daily
• duration of treatment: one week
• afterwards, hose down plant to remove baking soda residue from leaves (for intact photosynthesis)

Leaf consumption

The foliage of zucchini is edible. If it is needed for consumption, of course, nothing should prevent cutting the leaves of zucchini. Only a small amount should be taken care of and limited to young leafy greens. This is anyway the most aromatic.

Tip: Zucchini leaves are best cut off just above the base of the stem. This is where the risk of infection is lowest in conjunction with a “clean” cut.

Choose the right cutting tool

If you want to cut the leaves off the zucchini, you should always use a disinfected and sharp cutting tool. Disinfection is advised to eliminate any bacteria, viruses or germs that may be attached to it. Sharpness is important to achieve a smooth cut and avoid the need for plucking or pulling. This could cause roots to loosen or break off.

Frequently asked questions

Can I also tie up zucchini leaves if there is not enough space?

No, you should not do that. Tying negatively affects the aeration. This, in turn, increases the risk of fungal disease and, consequently, on the harvest. Cutting off offers the better solution here.

Is a zucchini cut back for winter?

As a rule, zucchinis are cultivated only as annuals. Cutting them back is therefore unnecessary.

Can the flowers be cut off?

Yes, this actually provides more energy for a zucchini to put into fruiting. Here, you cut just below the petals above the thickening. The fruit will later develop from this thickening. By the way, the flowers of a zucchini are edible.