🥒 How to Grow Zucchini (Squash) from Seeds
Common Names:
Hindi: तोरी / जुकीनी (Tori / Zucchini)
Tamil: சுக்கினி (Sukkini)
Telugu: జుక్కిని (Zukkini)
Malayalam: സുക്കിനി (Zukkini)
Kannada: ಸುಕ್ಕಿನಿ (Sukkini)
English: Zucchini / Summer Squash
Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo

1. 🌱 Choose the Right Season

Warm-season crop

Best time to sow:

• Spring to early summer: Feb–Apr

• Monsoon sowing: Jun–Jul (in raised beds)

Ideal Temperature: 22°C–32°C

2. 🌾 Prepare the Soil

Soil Type: Loose, well-drained loamy soil
pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Soil Enrichment:

• Organic compost or decomposed cow dung

• Add neem cake or wood ash for pest prevention

• Raised beds or mounds help with drainage

3. 🌿 Sow the Seeds

Sowing Depth: 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep

Spacing:

• Direct in soil: 2–3 feet apart

• Containers: Minimum 16–18 inch deep pots

• Sow 2–3 seeds per spot and thin to 1 strong seedling

Cover lightly with soil and water gently

4. 💧 Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during germination and early growth
Avoid waterlogging – ensure good drainage
Water at base; avoid wetting leaves

5. 🌱 Germination

Seeds germinate in 5–8 days
Place in a warm, sunny spot
Thin out weaker seedlings early

6. 🌤️ Sunlight & Temperature

Needs 6–8 hours of full sunlight daily
Grows best in warm temperatures with moderate humidity
Protect young plants from strong winds

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Add compost every 2–3 weeks

• Once flowering starts: use banana peel tea, wood ash, or vermicompost

• Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent excess foliage

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Care

Common issues: Aphids, squash bugs, powdery mildew
Protection Tips:

• Neem oil + soap spray every 10–15 days

• Remove infected leaves

• Ensure proper spacing and air circulation

9. 🥒 Harvesting

Ready to harvest in 45–60 days after sowing
Best time to harvest:

• When fruits are 6–8 inches long and tender

• Skin should be glossy, not dull

• Harvest every 2–3 days to encourage more fruits

Cut using a clean knife or garden scissors

10. ♻️ Regrow Tip

Let 1–2 fruits fully mature and harden
Scoop out seeds, wash and dry them
Store in a cool, dark place for next season

🌟 Health Benefits of Zucchini

• Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber

• Aids digestion and supports weight loss

• Promotes heart and eye health

• Low in calories – ideal for diabetic and keto diets

• Great for soups, stir-fries, and grilled dishes