Zucchini Vegetable Seeds Packet

1. Culinary Uses:

• Sliced or diced for soups, stir-fries, and sautés.
• Grated into baked goods like zucchini bread and muffins.
• Stuffed with fillings and baked.
• Can be eaten raw, grilled, roasted, or pickled.

2. Nutritional Benefits:

• Low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
• Contains antioxidants that support overall health.
• Hydrating due to its high water content.

3. Companion Planting & Pollination:

• Benefits from companion planting with beans, peas, and marigolds.
• Relies on bees for pollination, increasing fruit production.
• Produces male and female flowers, both needed for fruit development.

Light:

• Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day) for optimal growth.

Soil:

• Prefers well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter.
• Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.5.

Watering:

• Needs consistent moisture, especially during fruit development.
• Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal diseases.
• Water deeply 1-2 times per week, depending on climate conditions.

Temperature & Climate:

• Zucchini thrives in warm temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C).
• Cannot tolerate frost, so plant after the last frost date.

Fertilization:

• Use balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting time.
• Apply side-dressing of compost or organic fertilizer once fruiting begins.

Mulching:

• Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Helps keep fruit off the ground to prevent rot.

Pruning:

• Trim excess leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
• Remove old or yellowing leaves regularly.

Pollination:

• Zucchini requires pollination to set fruit.
• Encourage bees and pollinators by planting nearby flowers.
• If fruit is underdeveloped, hand-pollinate using a soft brush.

Harvesting:

• Ready for harvest 45-55 days after planting.
• Pick when 6-8 inches long for best flavor and texture.
• Regular harvesting encourages continuous fruit production.

Refrigeration:

• Store fresh zucchini in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer.
• Best used within 5-7 days.

Freezing:

• Blanch and freeze sliced or grated zucchini for long-term storage.
• Can be stored for 6-12 months.

Pickling & Canning:

• Zucchini can be pickled or turned into relish.
• Preserve in canning jars for extended use.

Common Pests:

• Squash bugs: Hand-pick or use neem oil.
• Aphids: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Cucumber beetles: Use row covers to protect young plants.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery mildew: Improve airflow and use a baking soda spray.
• Blossom end rot: Ensure consistent watering and sufficient calcium.
• Downy mildew: Avoid overhead watering and plant in well-ventilated areas.