Plant Highlight Week1 of May: Zucchini

We are quite excited in our decision to create surplus of plants this year in able to offer to the public! There is something so invigorating in placing investment into this small living energy, watching it grow and reaping the reward of tender care and dedication. A garden is something no person should go without experiencing, even if only once.

I thought it prudent to create Plant Highlights throughout the months of the season for the plantlings we will be offering. This will help you form a relationship with the knowledge of each plant and the reasons we chose them for offering! Here at Black Cottage, we mainly only grow #heirloom plants and vegetables with the occasional hybrid (for more information on why that is, please comment in the comment section if you would like an article on heirloom vs hybrids) and so you can be confident that plants purchased from our farm will give you the irreplicable gift of saving seeds to replanting the following year.

P L A N T H I G H L I G H T : Z u c c h i n i

Zucchini (also known as courgette) is a fast-growing, prolific summer squash that's beloved by home gardeners for its high yields and versatility in the kitchen. This plant produces up to 10 Lbs of produce PER PLANT! which in our opinion, makes this plant extraordinarily important to grow especially if you are considering growing enough to feed livestock, feed your family and perhaps even sell plants for additional income on your homestead or farm.

Here is a break down

Botanical Basics

• Scientific name: Cucurbita pepo

• Family: Cucurbitaceae (same family as cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons)

• Type: Warm-season annual

• Growth habit: Bush or vining, depending on the variety

Planting and Growing

• Hardiness: Frost-sensitive; best planted after the last frost date

• Germination temperature: 70–95°F (optimal around 85°F)

• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)

• Soil: Rich, well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5

• Spacing:

  • Bush types: 2–3 feet apart

  • Vining types: 3–4 feet apart or trellised

• Watering: Consistent, deep watering; avoid wetting the leaves to reduce fungal risk

Pollination

• Zucchini plants produce male and female flowers.

• Male flowers appear first, often in abundance, followed by female flowers (which have a small fruit at the base).

• Pollination by bees or hand-pollination is necessary for fruit development.

Harvesting

• When to harvest: Typically 6–8 inches long for best flavor and texture; can grow rapidly, so check daily

• Larger fruits: Edible but can be tough and seedy; better for baking or stuffing

• Frequent harvesting encourages more production

Common Varieties

• Black Beauty: Classic, dark green, prolific producer

• Costata Romanesco: Italian heirloom with ribbed fruit and nutty flavor

• Golden Zucchini: Bright yellow, same flavor profile as green types

• Eight Ball: Round, ball-shaped fruits ideal for stuffing

Pests and Problems

• Squash vine borer: Burrows into stems; prevent with row covers and monitor for entry holes

• Squash bugs: Suck sap; remove eggs from leaves and use neem or insecticidal soap

• Powdery mildew: Common in humid conditions; improve airflow, apply sulfur sprays

• Blossom end rot: Often due to calcium deficiency or irregular watering

Companion Plants

• Good companions: Nasturtium, marigold, beans, corn, peas

• Avoid: Potatoes (compete for nutrients), brassicas (can attract pests)

Uses

• Culinary: Grilled, roasted, baked (zucchini bread), spiralized (zoodles), stuffed, or raw in salads

• Preservation: Freeze (blanched or shredded), dry, or pickle

• Flowers: Edible — male flowers are often stuffed and fried

Fun Facts

• Technically a fruit, not a vegetable

• Extremely fast-growing — a zucchini can double in size overnight!

• Zucchini plants can produce dozens of fruits in a single season if kept healthy

Let us know in the comment section if this article was helpful or any further information we can provide you with!