Growing zucchini in pots is a great solution for urban gardeners looking to add more growing space to their small yards, patios, or balconies. Zucchini and its close relatives, crookneck squash and summer squash, are larger than many other vegetables, but with a spacious pot and a little care, they can be grown in small garden spaces. These plants are very productive, so one or two zucchini plants may be all you need to provide your family with all the fresh zucchini they need.
From seed to harvest, use these 10 container gardening tips to grow zucchini in pots.
1. Find a sunny spot
Zucchini is a sunny plant that needs at least six hours of bright light per day, but thrive with eight to 10 hours of sun. When choosing a site for your container garden, choose an open area unobstructed by tall trees or buildings. Ideally, the growing site is protected from strong winds to prevent pollinators that pollinate zucchini flowers from being blown away.
2. Choose the right type of zucchini
There are two main types of zucchini: bush and climbing. Both types of zucchini can be grown in pots, although bush zucchinis such as 'Cue Ball' and 'Bush Baby' are usually better suited to growing in pots. Climbing zucchinis can also be grown in pots, but they will need a trellis or cage to support the drooping stems.
3. Choose a spacious growing container
Small bush-type zucchini don't usually need a trellis, but both climbing and bush zucchini need a spacious pot to accommodate their extensive root systems. To grow a single zucchini, you can use a grow bag, terracotta pot, or food-safe plastic bucket that is at least 5 to 10 gallons or 18 inches wide. Make sure the container has adequate drainage holes to prevent zucchini root rot.
4. Know when to plant
Zucchini can be grown from nurseries or seeds, but this heat-loving crop should not be planted outdoors until the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is about 60° F. If you want to grow zucchini from seed, it's best to sow the seeds directly outdoors about two weeks after the last frost date in the spring. Fortunately, zucchini grows quickly, so cool-climate gardeners have plenty of time to grow and harvest zucchini even if they don't start planting until mid- to late spring.
5. Use nutrient-rich potting soil
Like pumpkins and melons, zucchini are nutrient-intensive plants. Start your growing season off right by mixing a lightweight, well-drained, soil-free potting mix with compost or aged manure and packing it into your growing container. If your potting mix doesn't contain fertilizer, you can also add a slow-release organic fertilizer.
6. Plant zucchini correctly
If you're growing zucchini from seed, plant 2 to 3 seeds in the center of a growing container and cover with about 1 inch of potting soil. Keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate and grow several true leaves. Then thin the seedlings out, leaving only one plant per 5- to 10-gallon pot. Cut the weakest seedling at the soil line with scissors, being careful not to disturb the roots of the remaining plants.
7. Water frequently
Zucchini should be watered regularly and generously, with 1 to 2 inches of water each week. Uneven watering can cause problems like blossom end rot, so we recommend growing zucchini in self-watering planters, installing a drip irrigation system, or putting mulch around the base of the plant to keep the soil from drying out too quickly. When watering, always direct the water flow towards the base of the plant to help dry out the leaves and prevent mold from growing.
8. Fertilize as needed
Adding a slow-release fertilizer or compost to the potting soil at planting can speed up the zucchini's growing season. If you want a heavy zucchini harvest, also fertilize this nutrient-hungry plant once a month with an organic liquid fertilizer. Balanced tomato fertilizers and fertilizers high in phosphorus are particularly effective for zucchini, while fertilizers high in nitrogen will produce lots of leaves and few fruit.
9. Try companion plants
Zucchini plants require insect pollination to produce fruit. However, if insects do not visit the plant, you may end up with plentiful zucchini flowers but no zucchini fruit. Planting companion plants such as nasturtiums, marigolds, dill, and borage near your zucchini will attract bees and other insects and ensure the plant is pollinated. Placing small fragrant herbs such as chives and dill near your zucchini will also reduce the chances of attracting pests.
10. Harvest regularly
Zucchini can be harvested about 45-55 days after planting, or when the fruit is 6-8 inches long. Large zucchini look great, but have tough skin and don't taste very good. Harvesting zucchini regularly will help your plant produce more. Use a sharp knife to cut the zucchini stems from the vine to avoid accidentally damaging the plant.
