How to Grow Zucchini? A Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Methods and Tips
Zucchini, also called summer squash, is harvested as young fruit for culinary use. Zucchini is loved by many for its thin skin, thick flesh, abundant juice, and its versatility as either a meat or vegetarian dish, a main course or a filling. So how do you grow zucchini?
1. Temperature
Zucchini is among the more cold-tolerant and less heat-tolerant types of cucurbit vegetables. The most suitable temperature during the growing period is 20-25°C; growth slows below 15°C and stops below 8°C. Above 30°C growth slows and diseases are highly likely to occur. The suitable temperature for seed germination is 25-30°C; seeds can germinate at 13°C but very slowly; germination is fastest at 30-35°C but tends to cause leggy growth. The flowering and fruiting period requires higher temperatures, generally 22-25°C is optimal. Early-maturing varieties have stronger tolerance to low temperatures. The minimum temperature for root elongation is 6°C, and the minimum temperature for root hair formation is 12°C. At a night temperature of 8-10°C, fertilized fruit can develop normally.
2. Light
Light intensity requirements are moderate; it tolerates weak light fairly well, but insufficient light tends to cause leggy growth. In terms of photoperiod it is a short-day plant; long-day conditions favor stem and leaf growth, while short-day conditions bring an earlier fruiting period.
3. Humidity
It likes moisture and does not tolerate drought; especially during the fruiting period, the soil should be kept moist to achieve high yields. Under high temperature and drought conditions, viral diseases are likely to occur; however, high temperature and high humidity also easily cause powdery mildew.
4. Soil
It has no strict requirements for soil; sandy soil, loam, and clay can all be used for cultivation, and deep loam soil easily yields high production.
Zucchini is rich in nutrients such as vitamins and glucose, can regulate human metabolism, and has effects such as weight loss and cancer prevention and resistance, making it very suitable to eat often.