How to cultivate zucchini

Cultivating lush and healthy zucchinis in our organic garden requires significant attention. This vegetable is one of the most beloved and ubiquitous on our tables. Following seasonality, it is grown throughout spring and summer. With the right organic techniques, it can provide great satisfaction even in a domestic setting.

Let’s get to know this plant better and explore the main Italian varieties to cultivate in the garden. Additionally, we will understand the right sowing and transplanting period and take a look at all the necessary cultivation precautions. Finally, we’ll delve into how to implement organic defenses against pests and diseases.

The Zucchini Plant

Zucchini, scientifically known as Cucurbita pepo, is an annual herbaceous plant of the Cucurbitaceae family. It belongs to the same family as another much-loved cultivar: the cucumber.
It originates from Central America and is believed to have been cultivated in ancient times in Peru. After the discovery of America, it spread to Europe.
The plant has a bushy habit, with a prostrate stem that tends to elongate and crawl on the ground; the leaves are large and lobed, equipped with long, hairy, and prickly petioles; the flowering is unique, as the plant produces two types of unisexual flowers. The first is the male flower (also called pumpkin flower, zucchini flower, or male flower), with the classic yellow-orange color; the second is the female flower, attached to the fruit. The male flower is sterile, meaning it does not produce fruit but serves for the pollination of the female flower.

Italian Zucchini Varieties to Cultivate

As with tomatoes, Italy is responsible for the selection and spread of the main varieties available today. The main Italian zucchini varieties include:

Striata di Napoli, with a classic dark green color, elongated, and marked with prominent stripes
Fiorentina, reminiscent of a club shape, light green with striped and grooved skin
Bianca di Trieste, very light green, almost white. The surface is smooth, and the shape is round at the end
Di Faenza, one of the most common. It has a light green color, regular shape, few stripes, and smooth skin.

: Striped zucchini variety from Naples

: Zucchini variety from Florence

: White zucchini variety from Trieste

: Zucchini variety from Faenza

Ultimately, the choice of which ones to cultivate is up to you. The important thing is to always opt for organic seeds or seedlings from nurseries with organic production.

Cultivating Zucchinis

Crop Rotation

To properly cultivate zucchinis and harmonize with other crops, some considerations need to be made. First of all, it is essential to respect the rule of crop rotation. Cucurbitaceae crops require a lot of organic matter in the soil. Therefore, cultivation in a given portion of the garden should be alternated with lighter crops each year. This helps preserve the soil structure and ensures healthy and thriving crops.
The crops that can precede zucchini cultivation are legumes, such as fava beans and peas. These plants increase nitrogen in the soil through their nitrogen-fixing abilities, providing more nourishment to subsequent crops.

Climate and Sowing/Transplanting Periods

Zucchini cultivation is widespread in southern regions due to its preference for a mild climate. Temperatures should never drop below 12°C. Cold exposure exposes the plant to the risk of fungal diseases, compromising its harvest and balanced growth.
Therefore, the ideal position in the garden should be in full sun. The cultivation period spans from spring to summer.
If your geographic area allows for it and you’re starting from seeds, you can begin sowing in March using a polystyrene seedbed or small plastic pots with a diameter of 10-12 cm.
Transplanting in the field usually starts in April and continues until mid-July.

Soil and Fertilization

Zucchini cultivation prefers loose and deeply worked soils. Therefore, proper soil preparation before planting in the garden is crucial. Avoid clayey soils, as they tend to retain water and cause problems for the plant. The soil should be rich in organic matter. For optimal organic fertilization, cover the soil with animal manure in the winter months, or use dry manure (available here) about a month before cultivation. Another solution for fertilizing just before transplanting is to add the result of home composting to the soil.

Irrigation

Another essential aspect is irrigation, which is usually done through a drip system. Zucchini cultivation requires frequent and abundant watering. Therefore, it is only possible with a secure and consistent water supply.

Transplant Distances

Zucchini cultivation requires a lot of space. The plants are very vigorous and can become enormous both in width and length. So, pay attention to the arrangement in the garden and the design of the irrigation system. The distances to maintain are as follows: at least 1.5 m between rows and 60 cm between plants along the row.

Necessary Care

Zucchini cultivation does not tolerate the presence of many weeds. Weeds not only deplete the soil of nutrients but are also carriers of animal parasites. Regular hoeing is necessary, although this can be significantly reduced by using natural mulch. Mulching not only reduces weed competition but also improves soil moisture, saving water.
The biological cycle of the plant is quite long. A field cultivation, especially in a domestic environment, can last 4-5 months. Therefore, occasional maintenance is required, removing old and damaged foliage from the stem. This helps the canopy breathe, concentrates the plant’s energy on fruit production, and extends the cycle itself.

Harvesting

The last considerations on zucchini cultivation concern harvesting. In agronomic terms, we harvest the “immature fruits” of the plant. This means that if the fruits are not picked in time, they will continue to grow and become enormous. If left on the plant for too long, they will resemble small pumpkins. The skin becomes too tough to eat, and the inside fills with low-quality gastronomic seeds and pulp. Harvesting them late, intentionally letting them grow, serves for seed collection and preservation. The ideal length for harvesting the fruits ranges from 10 to 20 cm, depending on the variety.
Pay attention when handling the plants during harvesting, as they can be urticant and cause irritations. Use long-sleeved shirts, gloves (like these), to protect your hands during harvesting.

Uses and Nutritional Values

Freshly harvested baby zucchini and zucchini flowers

Zucchini has excellent nutritional values. Additionally, the male flowers are collected and widely appreciated in cooking, featured in various recipes. Collecting them daily along with the fruits brings great satisfaction.
Zucchini cultivation can be very productive. During its life cycle, a single plant can produce up to 5 kg of fruits. This means that during the summer, when production is at its peak, there might be a surplus compared to your fresh consumption needs. To avoid wasting them, you can preserve them using various techniques. One of these preservation methods is preserving in oil. This way, you’ll have them available even during the winter months.

How to cultivate zucchini in the organic garden

To grow thriving, healthy zucchini in your organic garden, essential attention is needed. Discover how to cultivate them ensure their vigorous development.