When is the best time to plant zucchini? Early May or early September is more suitable

SummaryZucchini is divided into spring planting and autumn planting, and can be planted in early May in spring or early September in autumn. Sowing too early or too late easily affects the germination rate and also leads to serious pests and diseases. The most suitable growing temperature for zucchini is around 25°C. It is cold-tolerant but not heat-tolerant, and it is grown in all parts of China.

1. Planting time of zucchini

Zucchini originated in North America and was introduced to China in the 19th century. It is rich in vitamin C and glucose substances, and has the effects of clearing heat, promoting urination, and moistening the lungs to stop coughing. It is now grown in all parts of China. Zucchini is relatively cold-tolerant, but not heat-tolerant. It is generally sown in spring and autumn. Its growing temperature is around 25°C. Spring sowing is generally in early May, and autumn sowing is in early September. Sowing too early or too late easily leads to relatively serious pests and diseases and affects its germination rate.

2. Seed soaking and sprouting

Before sowing, the seeds must first be treated. First, soak the seeds in warm water at about 60°C. To prevent the water temperature from being too high and scalding the seeds, stir continuously while soaking. When the water temperature drops to about 30°C, remove the seeds and wash them clean, then put them into water again and soak for about 6 hours. After the seeds have absorbed enough water, remove them and dry them. Finally, wrap them in a wet towel and place them indoors at about 25°C to promote sprouting. Once they sprout, they can be sown.

3. Sowing

Before sowing, first prepare the seedbed. Mix organic fertilizer evenly with loose soil, appropriately add calcium phosphate and plant ash, and a high-quality growing soil is ready. When sowing, be sure to water thoroughly to keep the soil moist, then place the seeds at an appropriate spacing between plants and rows. Be careful to place the sprouted end facing down, and finally cover with soil.

4. Later management

After the seedlings emerge, the young seedlings can be transplanted when they grow to about 3 cm. After transplanting, be sure to maintain a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, which is beneficial for seedling recovery. The daytime temperature needs to be around 30°C, and the nighttime temperature around 20°C. When the first fruit begins to swell, water and fertilize. Generally apply about 40 jin of compound fertilizer per mu. When the second fruit swells, apply additional fertilizer. At this time, apply about 50 jin of urea per mu. After that, fertilize once a month and water once a month.

5. Artificial pollination

If you want to increase the yield of zucchini, you can use bees or artificial assistance for pollination. Generally, artificial pollination is best carried out from August to October. When pollinating, check whether the male flower has already produced pollen. You can gently wipe the stamen of the male flower with your hand. If there is yellow powder, pollination can be carried out. First pick the male flower, remove the petals, and keep only the stamen. Then aim the stamen at the stigma of the female flower and gently rub it. You can also use a cotton swab to dip the powder and apply it to the stigma of the female flower. Be sure to pollinate evenly. Do not pollinate on cloudy and rainy days or in the afternoon, otherwise it easily leads to deformed fruit.