Mature Height: 2 - 3 feet
Mature Spread: 1 - 4 feet
Other Names: Cucurbita Pepo, Summer Squash, Winter Squash
Description:
Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is a versatile summer squash known for its mild flavor and tender texture. It’s typically harvested when young and small, about 6 to 8 inches long, but can grow much larger if left on the vine.
Zucchini thrives in full sun and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during fruit development. A common method of growing zucchini is through direct sowing in the garden after the last frost, or starting seeds indoors.
In the kitchen, zucchini can be grilled, sautéed, baked, or used in a variety of dishes like ratatouille, stir-fries, or zucchini bread. It’s also delicious when spiralized as a low-carb pasta alternative.