Zucchini at a glance
| Botanical name | Cucurbita pepo |
|---|---|
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Other names | summer squash, courgette |
| Plant type | Vegetable; annual |
| Size | 1 to 3 feet tall, 2 feet or more wide |
| Light | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun) |
| Water | Water deeply at the base about once or twice a week; keep leaves dry. |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained soil with compost. |
| USDA hardiness zones | Grown as a summer annual in every zone. |
| USDA PLANTS symbol | CUPE |
When to plant zucchini
Sow seeds outdoors around your last frost date once the soil is warm. Transplants wait until frost risk is over.
Turn these into real dates for your area with the planting calendar.
How to grow zucchini
- Sow seeds directly in warm soil in full sun.
- Give each plant plenty of room.
- Water deeply at the base and mulch.
- Pick fruit at 6 to 8 inches long; check daily in summer.
- Remove large overlooked fruit so the plant keeps producing.
Water and soil
Water: Water deeply at the base about once or twice a week; keep leaves dry.
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with compost.
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun).
Common problems
- Squash vine borer
- Sudden wilting of a whole plant. Row covers early in the season help.
- Powdery mildew
- White powder on leaves in late summer.
- Fruit rots at the tip
- Often poor pollination. Bees are needed; avoid sprays that harm them.
Is zucchini safe for cats and dogs?
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
The ASPCA lists Acorn Squash (Cucurbita pepo) as non-toxic to cats and non-toxic to dogs. ASPCA entry.
Zucchini is not named, but acorn squash, the same species (Cucurbita pepo), is listed as non-toxic.
If a pet chews a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435; a fee may apply). For people, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. In an emergency, call 911.
Can you eat zucchini?
The fruit and flowers are edible.
Zucchini questions
How many zucchini plants do I need?
Two or three plants are usually plenty for a family; each plant can keep producing for weeks.
Is zucchini safe for dogs and cats?
Zucchini is not named on the ASPCA lists, but acorn squash, the same species (Cucurbita pepo), is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Why are my zucchini fruits small and rotting?
Usually poor pollination. Plants need bees to move pollen from male to female flowers.
Sources
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Cucurbita pepo (size, light, soil, zones, poison rating)
- USDA PLANTS Database profile: Cucurbita pepo L. (accepted name)
- ASPCA: Acorn Squash (pet toxicity)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to cats
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to dogs
- University of Maryland Extension: Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors
- Colorado State University Extension: Vegetable Planting Guide
Written in our own words from the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
