Can you grow zucchini from store-bought fruit?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.It is possible to grow zucchini from purchased store fruit if you select your seeds with care. You need to choose mature zucchinis with fully developed seeds inside. If you buy zucchinis that are hybrids, you will get plants that are descended from the parents' parent. Personally, I like heirloom fruits for dependability. Store seeds are a reliable place to start your seed-saving adventure.
To obtain seeds for germination, you must extract them correctly. You want to remove the seeds from the seed cavity with a spoon. Rinse them under cool water, thoroughly removing all of the pulp. Lay the seeds out on paper towels in a single layer. For drying, I store it in a cool, dark place for a couple of weeks.
Test the seed viability before planting. Take 10 seeds and place them between damp paper towels. Keep the seeds warm at around 70°F (21°C) for one week. Count the number of seedlings to determine your germination rate. If the germination percentage is less than 50%, I discard that batch of seed. You don't want your gardening efforts to go to waste.
Soil Preparation
- Use sterile seed-starting mix to prevent disease
- Plant seeds ½ inch (1.25 cm) deep in containers
- Maintain 70°F (21°C) soil temperature consistently
Transplanting Tips
- Harden off seedlings for 7 days before moving outside
- Wait until soil reaches 65°F (18°C) for transplanting
- Space plants 24-36 inches apart in garden beds
Utilize selective harvesting to work around hybrid variety issues. Save seed only from the best-performing plants each season. Use ribbon to flag exceptional fruits before harvesting. I slowly accumulate acclimated varieties suitable for my garden. Your seed source gets better each year.
Cross-pollination challenges can also be addressed up front. Zucchini crosses readily with other squash. Keep types separated by ½ mile or use barriers. I hand-pollinate flowers, bag them to maintain purity. Your saved seeds will retain their kind.
To store seeds properly for future use, dried seeds can be placed into airtight containers with silica packets. Store these containers in a cool, dark location at a temperature of approximately 40°F (4°C). I always label the containers with the harvest date and variety. You can expect your seeds to last for 5 to 6 years.
Read the full article: How to Grow Zucchini: Expert Tips for Success
