Zucchini
by
Organo Republic
23 Sep 2021
Zucchini
This popular and highly productive variety of home garden courgettes matures in about 55 days. The shiny black-green fruit is at its best when it reaches an average of 8″ in length and 2″ in diameter. When the Zucchini begins to bear fruit, they will continue to bear fruit without interruption until the very frost. Summer squash thrives on frequent harvesting, and when left unattended, it grows in size between 18-24″. The delicate pulp can be fried, marinated in olive oil, stewed or steamed, used in soups, casseroles, and other dishes.
This Zucchini was first introduced to American gardeners in the 1920s, popularized the use of Zucchini due to its easy growth and excellent quality, and won the prestigious AAS Award in 1957.
Darker-skinned Zucchini are fortified with more nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, K, B6; beta-carotene, potassium, manganese, folic acid, and others; super low in calories.
How to grow Zucchini from seeds::
- Sowing: You can plant zucchini seeds indoors a month before the last expected frost. They do not tolerate transplanting, so you should plant them in peat pots. Plant two seeds in a pot, remove the weaker seedling later. Temper the seedlings by exposing them for several hours during the week before replanting. Plant the seedlings one week after the last frost and a soil temperature of 65 degrees F, in rich soil 8-10′ apart in rows 10-12′ apart. Direct planting when soil temperatures will be 70 degrees F. Plant them 1/2" deep, 3-4′ apart, and cut 8-10′ apart. Zucchini is usually planted with corn but avoid with potatoes.
- Plant Spacing: 3-4′.
- Growing of Zucchini: Zucchini seedlings need protection from frost and temperatures below 65 degrees F. Provide moist soil, but avoid wetting the leaves to avoid causing disease or rot. A layer of mulch will help trap moisture, fight weeds, and keep dirt out of the Zucchini.
- Zucchini Soil Requirements for: Keep the soil evenly moist, maintain soil temperatures at 80-90°F (27-32°C)
- Zucchini Seeds Days to Germination: 10-14 days.
- Light Preference of Zucchini: Full Sun.
- Life Cycle of Zucchini: Annual.
- How and When to Harvest Zucchini: Zucchini tastes best when they are 5-8" long. It would be best if you harvested Mature Zucchini every dаy or two. Zucchini can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen.
- Zucchini Days to Maturity: 55-70.
- Zucchini's Seed Saving: The seeds develop and mature when the Zucchini reaches its mature size. Remove the seeds from the Zucchini pulp and rinse as follows. Put the mixture in a bowl of water, and the good seeds will drown. Pick good seeds and lay them out to dry; turn over from time to time to dry completely. Store Black Beauty Summer Zucchini Seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 4 years.
FAST FACTS:
- Common Names: Zucchini
- Latin Name: Cucurbita pepo
- Species Origin: Mesoamerica
- Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season
- Life Cycle: Annual
- USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Seeds per Ounce: 230
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Height: 20 Inches
- Color: Dark Green
- Uses: Culinary
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