How to grow Summer Squash

Cucurbita pepo

As with any squash variety, prevention of disease is the key to getting a good harvest. Squash are particularly susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungus which manifests itself as a white powdery-looking substance on the leaves. Left untreated, this can kill the entire plant.


Good methods for preventing powdery mildew are proper air circulation around the plant and providing cover via row covers during periods of excess rain. Keep the plants well spaced, and as an extra method of prevention, spray the leaves with a milk/water or baking soda/water/dish soap mixture. Baking soda and milk both have anti-fungal properties. Any leaves that are affected, trim off and burn.

Growing Summer squash from seed

Older stored seed may take longer to germinate, sow two seeds to a 7cm pot and pull up the weakest seeding. Grow on and pot on as seedling develops, keep under cover and harden off gradually

Aim to sow 0.98 inches (2.5 cm) deep and try to ensure a gap of at least 1.46 feet (45.0 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 18°C / 64°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Summer squash about 14 days after your last frost date .

Transplanting Summer squash

Plant out after all danger of frost has past, giving enough room for the plant to grown

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Summer squash is a tender plant.

By our calculations*, you should look at planting out Summer squash about 14 days after your last frost date.

Harvesting Summer squash

Summer squash are harvested when the fruit are a good size but still tender. Harvesting encourages more flowers to form and a longer harvesting season

Seed Saving Summer squash

Squash easily cross pollenate with others on the same family, so it is difficult to keep the seeds true.

How long does Summer squash take to grow?

These estimates for how long Summer squash takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Summer squash to germinate?
8 days

Average 8 days | Min 1 days | Max 23 days (321)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Summer squash?
+ 23 days

Average 23 days | Min 2 days | Max 57 days (98)

Days to Maturity How long until Summer squash is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 67 days

Average 67 days | Min 1 days | Max 146 days (174)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Summer squash?
= 98 days

When should I plant Summer squash?

Our when to plant Summer squash estimates are relative to your last frost date.

When to sow The number of days to sow Summer squash before or after your last frost date.
14 days after Last Frost Date
When to plant out The number of days to plant out Summer squash before or after your last frost date.
14 days after Last Frost Date

Other names for Summer squash

Pumpkin

Cucurbita pepo L.

Misspellings: Zuchinni, Curcubita pepo

Footnotes

1 Zucchini Gardening with Complementary Vegetables

2 Primal Palette Companion Wheel

3 Smiling Gardener’s chart


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