Dark Green Zucchini

Dark Green Zucchini Summer Squash is a smooth squash that grows fantastically in Central California and the American Southwest. A prolific grower, it produces all season long.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Squash should be grown in the warm season when soils are at least 70°F.

Growing Squash

• Squash should be planted into deeply irrigated, fertile soil. In Zones 9 and 10, adding tons of compost will help create a healthy soil structure and keep soil moistures in.
• Mulching heavily around your plants will also help with weed suppression and moisture retention.
• Pollination is key to producing squash. You should hand pollinate your squash if you doubt you have good pollination.

Harvesting Squash

• Squash are best harvested at peak ripeness. There are two ways to know that your fruit is ready, this is by knowing what kind of squash you are growing.
• Summer Squash is eaten when it is young and tender. You want to be able to pierce the flesh of the squash with your fingernail.  These are crops like zucchini and scallop squashes among others.

Growing Squash in Containers

• Squash plants like to grow across the ground but alternatively can be grown up a trellis if hanging fruit are supported. If growing in a container, make sure your container is at least 20″ deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture. Mulch heavily on the top layer of soil in the pot to keep the soil from drying out or heating up too much.

Pro-tips

• Mulch heavily around your squash plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or overheat.
• Do not overhead water as this promotes foliar diseases.
• Grow at least two squash plants to ensure good pollination.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Squash are aggressively growing plants that look wonderful with cosmos, zinnias, and sunflowers.