What it is
Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is in the Cucurbitaceae (Gourd) family. The crop that famously overwhelms you. One or two plants feed a household all summer.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it even, deep, and give it rich, well-drained soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 24–36 in apart. Expect roughly 45–60. Warm-season annual.
How it's used
Zucchini is used: sautéed, grilled, baked, spiralized.
🔎 How to identify it
- Big bristly leaves with silvery markings
- Large orange-yellow blossoms (edible)
- Fruit forms at the base of female flowers
Edibility
PartsFruit and flowers
UsesSautéed, grilled, baked, spiralized
CautionNone; pick young for best texture.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.