When should I start planting zucchini for maximum yield?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.When you plant zucchini dictates the success or failure of the entire growing season. I've seen gardeners ruin crops by rushing early plantings in the spring. Wait until the soil reaches 65°F at a 4" depth, and use a metal probe thermometer to check. Zucchini seeds planted in cold soil will rot. At warmer temperatures, seeds will germinate and sprout within 5 days.
Coastal Zones
- Delay 2 weeks post last frost
- Use black plastic mulch for warmth
- Protect from salt spray with windbreaks
Mountain Zones
- Plant 3 weeks after frost date
- Row covers mandatory below 6,000 feet
- Choose short-season 'Eight Ball' variety
Southern Zones
- Fall planting avoids summer pests
- Shade cloth prevents blossom drop
- Irrigate at dawn to reduce evaporation
Soil prep is always better than a date on a calendar. Clients that I have who have done soil pH tests (6.0-7.5 is ideal) harvest 3 weeks earlier. When you can, mix in 3" of compost into your soil before planting. Compared to flat ground, raised beds warm up faster. I have seen raised beds at 72°F, while flat ground was only 58°F.
Testing
- Use digital pH meter weekly
- Check nitrogen levels with test strips
- Adjust calcium if below 200 ppm
Amending
- Add gypsum for clay soils
- Mix sand for drainage
- 5-10-10 fertilizer pre-planting
Stagger your planting dates, or wind up with a feast-or-famine harvest. For example, sow seeds every two weeks from your first safe date. For me and my Colorado schedule, I'd plant on May 20, June 3, and June 17. This method also helps to bridge the gap in the harvest while your early plant's slow production. Did you miss planting your seeds in time? Soak in water overnight to give seeds a jump start.
Read the full article: When to Plant Zucchini: Perfect Timing for Big Harvests
