Growing notes
Like other vine crops, summer squash plants grow best and produce the most fruit in warm weather. Squash plants have separate male and female flowers, and an insect must move the pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers.
Harvest signs
Pick summer squash when they reach the size you prefer, but before they are over-large, with large seeds, hard skins and fibrous or watery flesh. Fruit should have soft skins (rinds) that are easy to puncture with a fingernail.
▶Planting reference— Depth, spacing, pH, light
▶Pests & diseases— striped cucumber beetles, spotted cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, squash bugs, +5 more
Companions & antagonists
Common questions
How much water does zucchini need?
Zucchini has middle-of-the-road water needs. Aim to keep soil moisture around 40–60%, letting the top inch dry slightly between waterings rather than staying soggy.
Can I grow zucchini in a raised bed or container?
Yes — zucchini does well in raised beds and is happy in a decent-sized container too, as long as drainage is good.
Does zucchini come back every year?
No — zucchini is an annual. It completes its life in one season, so you replant it each year.