»Growing Zucchinis Part 2 of 2 – The Definitive Guide«
As a highly nutritious crop rich in vitamin and other minerals for the people, the production of zucchinis is determined by level of technology used.
Being a berry which can be directly seeded, zucchinis planting is done at an inch deep in loose, rich damp soil of 18 degrees centigrade and germination takes place 7-10 days with true leave appearing in another week.
Zucchinis management
First, space plants at 2ft apart for 2 seeds and 3-4 ft apart for many plants however plant 2 seeds per spot and thin out leaving the best one after germination in moist soils and keep temperatures below 70 degrees centigrade after germination. Give plants much light and apply balanced organic low dose nutrient solution for the seedlings.
Similarly, only plant zucchinis when night temperatures stay reliably above 15 degrees centigrade after hardening off for a week, water and mulch at the base of the plant. Apply fertilizers as early as possible.
As zucchinis produce both male and female flowers on same plant, male flowers come out first and female flowers follow which bear fruits. Always pick fruits immature when they are 6-8 inches long to encourage more fruiting of the plant.
For flower fertilization, 4 honey bees should be on female flowers and for hand pollination peel off a male flower and expose pollen on anthers and blow over stigma of a female flower. Supplement soil with calcium to prevent blosson end rot disease and prevent powdery mildew and water plants at base not leaves.
Finally, remove older leaves from plant diligently.
