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Zucchini
Zucchini is an ideal plant for the beginner produce gardener because it is quick and easy to grow.
Zucchini or courgette (Cucurbita pepo) is closely related to Cucumber, Watermelon, Pumpkin and Squash.
Few pests cause serious problems for Zucchini, but like all Curcubits, they can be susceptible to a range of fungal diseases. In particular, powdery mildew, but this is easily eradicated (see our information sheet). Another potential problem is blossom end rot, which isn't a contagious disease, but is caused by calcium deficiency (see our information sheet).
Pollinators
Another problem can be lack of pollination. If flowers are forming but they bloom and fade, with no fruit growing afterwards, it could be that your garden lacks pollinators.
Planting other flowering plants, especially nasturtiums, which are a good companion plant for Zucchini, will help attract bees to your garden.
Alternatively, you may have to hand-pollinate. Male and female flowers are separate on the same plant, so you need to move the pollen (via a little paint brush or similar) from the male flower to the female flowers.
The male flower grows directly on the stem of the plant in the leaf axils (where leaf meets stem) on a long stalk, and they are slightly smaller than the female.
Growing
Like all vegetables, zucchinis need good soil preparation and attention to nutrition. Check out our information sheet on no dig vegie gardens.
The addition of pea straw as a mulch is ideal for the summer months and it provides an additional source of nutrients as it breaks down.
Zucchini need to be regularly harvested to encourage continuous cropping. They are usually harvested quite small and immature as allowing them to continue growing results in fruit that is too big to be used as a vegetable.
The flowers are also edible - they can be used in salads, as garnish, and even fried.
Varieties
Zucchini are available in a range of shapes and colours, not just the familiar dark green sausage-shape that is readily available in supermarkets. For example, Yates has brought out 'Blackjack' which is a prolific bush variety with very dark-green fruit, and 'Golden', which is a yellow-skinned variety. Digger's Club (www.diggers.com.au) stock a variety of heirloom varieties that are worth investigating, including 'Crookneck Early Summer', which is very suited to those who aren't able to harvest fruit as frequently, as they remain an edible size for much longer than other varieties.
Information sources:
Yates Garden Guide, 42nd Edition, 2006, published by Harper Collins Publishers.
Blazey, C., The Australian Vegetable Garden - what's new is old, 2001, published by New Holland Publishers.
Wikipedia
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The information contained on this page is Copyright © SGA and intended for personal use only.
You may not use the information for any other purpose without the express written permission of SGA.
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