Zucchini, Gold Rush Seeds Cucurbita pepo

Zucchini seeds can be sown directly in the garden when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is past and the soil has warmed. Soil temperature (not air temperature) should be between 18°- 21°C (65°- 70°F). Plant 2-3 seeds in mounds 1.5-1.8 m (5-6') apart. Press seeds into the soil to ensure good contact and cover with 2.5 cm (1") of soil. After planting, water the seeds with a gentle mist or shower. It is critical to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy during germination. When your seedlings reach a height of a few centimetres (inches) and have developed 2 or 3 pairs of leaves, it is important to thin them out, according to the plant spacing indicated below. Do not allow the soil to become dry, as young plants have underdeveloped roots and can quickly dehydrate, particularly in windy conditions.

For an earlier crop, squash seeds can be started indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost in your area. Follow the seed depth and spacing guidelines indicated below. Once all danger of frost has passed, seedlings should be hardened off before planting in their growing location. Seedlings should be transplanted according to the plant and row spacing directions below. Regularly monitor your plants and ensure that the soil remains moist, but not soggy while they establish themselves in their new environment.

• Planting Depth: 2.5 cm (1")
• Seed Spacing: Sow 2 - 3 zucchini seeds per hill apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 1.5 - 1.8 m (5-6') apart.
• Plant Spacing: 60 - 90 cm (24-36")
• Instructions for Nutrient Care: Feed plants SUPERthrive once per week. Mix 1.2 ml (1/4 tsp) per 4L (1 gallon) of water in a watering can and apply solution to the base of the plants.

• Water diligently when fruit form and throughout their growth cycle. The soil needs to be moist 10 cm (4") down, so long soakings are best. Misshapen zucchini results from inadequate water or fertilization.
• Zucchini have shallow root systems and care should be taken when cultivating and weeding near the plants.
• Zucchini plants have distinct male and female flowers. The male flowers appear first on long, thin stalks, followed by the female flowers with an immature fruit at the bottom. For the female flowers to produce fruit, they require pollen from the male flowers to be transferred to them by bees.
• Poor pollination can result in zucchini flowers that do not bear fruit, or that bear small fruit. Consider growing bright-colored flowers nearby to attract pollinators.
• Do not wait too long to harvest. Flavor is best when zucchini are tender and a bit immature 15-20 cm (6-8"). Oversize zucchini have very little taste.
• Harvesting should be complete by the first fall frost; zucchini is highly susceptible to frost and heat damage.