The best varieties of zucchini for open ground: zucchini, Dutch, bush

Parameters of zucchini varieties

To grow an excellent harvest of zucchini on your plot, you need to know the subtleties of choosing seeds. It is worth paying attention to the main parameters of the varieties:

• Plant shape. Most of the species are bushy. This variety is easier to grow, but at the same time it requires a lot of space;
• Pollination. There are varieties that are pollinated by insects, and there are also self-pollinating varieties.
• Hybrid or original? Hybrids, as a rule, allow gardeners to harvest a more durable harvest. But only if we are talking about seeds of the first generation F. It is worth remembering that hybrid seeds are not suitable for re-sowing.
• Zucchini and zucchini are different vegetables from each other. Zucchini is juicier inside, and you can harvest more vegetables from one bush. Zucchini fruits can be stored for quite a long time. However, zucchini is more resistant to drying out and cold.

Watch the video! Zucchini varieties: zucchini and squash

How to get small zucchini

The only way to obtain small zucchini with underdeveloped seeds is to timely collect the set fruits, at least 2-3 times a week, this also contributes to a significant increase in yield. The expression “fruits do not outgrow” found in catalogs means one of two things:

• even relatively long fruits of half a meter retain a thin skin for a long time; seed development begins very late (most green and yellow zucchini squashes);
• The growth of fruits in length quickly stops, the fruits remain short, but at the same time the development of seeds and hardening of the skin begins early in them (white and round-fruited varieties).

To keep the zucchini small, they are harvested 2-3 times a week.

Early ripening varieties

Cavili F1

This variety produces more yield than others. On compact bushes with dark green leaves, a large number of white-green vegetables ripen within 2 months, right up to frost.

The fruits can be harvested when they reach 0.3 kg. It is at this weight that they are the juiciest and softest. The fruits must be collected as they ripen, otherwise they will overgrow and lose their juiciness. The length of the vegetable is approximately 20 cm.

On average, one bush produces about 9 kg of fruit. Cavili F1 resistantly tolerates many diseases of cultivated plants.

Iskander F1

Hybrid zucchini of Dutch selection. The variety gives a good harvest and tolerates many diseases well. The fruits ripen 1.5 months from the moment the seeds are planted.

The fruits are cylindrical with slight ribbing along the entire length, the skin is a soft light green color with white splashes. The pulp is juicy with a delicate creamy texture. The length of mature vegetables reaches 18-21 cm, weight - 0.5-0.7 kg.

One bush produces about 18 kg of harvest. Even if the fruits outgrow, they retain their taste and juiciness. The bushes do not grow, do not branch, and are not susceptible to many diseases.

Tsukesha

This is a universal hybrid variety with early ripening fruits that is not afraid of frost. Vegetables can be harvested after 45-50 days. The peel is a rich green color with white splashes, the flesh is juicy and tasty, which does not change when the fruit outgrows.

The length of a mature vegetable can reach 30 cm and weight - 1000 grams. One bush produces 7-12 kg of fruit. The taste of zucchini does not change when it outgrows. Tsukesha can be transported over long distances.

Karizma F1

This hybrid is early ripening. The fruits ripen in 40 days. The bushes grow compactly. Zucchini has a light green color and an elongated cylindrical shape. The fruit pulp is white and juicy.

Karisma F1 is resistant to various diseases and pests and tolerates transportation well. It is recommended to eat fruits after heat treatment.

Aeronaut

Aeronaut is considered early ripening and self-pollinating. Plants have a compact appearance. The type of inflorescences is female. Aeronaut is resistant to many diseases and pests and tolerates weather changes.

On average, about 7 kg of vegetables are harvested from one meter. The weight of the fetus is approximately 1.5 kg. Aeronaut's flesh is juicy but thick. The Aeronaut tolerates transportation well. You can eat zucchini fresh, both for food and for freezing or preparing.

Beloplodny

Bush variety. The plants grow small. Harvest can be done after 40 days.

Vegetables have a cylindrical smooth shape and white color. Zucchini does not require special conditions during transportation.

The average weight is 0.6 to 1 kg. The pulp density is average.

The hybrid is resistant to diseases and pests. The fruits are used fresh and are excellent for making salty preparations.

When and how to plant zucchini seedlings in 2019 in the Moscow region

In general, the vegetable is not picky in the care and planting process, but you should still know the main stages of its development and what is necessary for them. Before planting zucchini of any variety for seedlings, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the suitable dates for this procedure in 2022.

General timing of seed planting

When sowing seeds in a greenhouse, a box on a windowsill, or directly into the ground, there will be different times for germination and readiness of the crop for further growth. Since zucchini is a heat-loving vegetable, the following general rules for sowing seeds are recommended:

• in indoor conditions, planting material must be sown based on the variety and its ripening period, the sowing period is from March to May inclusive;
• in a greenhouse, sowing is permissible in mid-April, when the soil in it has already completely recovered from winter, and outside the air temperature is still low;
• You can sow in the ground no earlier than the end of May, when the soil has already warmed up and the air temperature does not drop below 10°C.

Before choosing a variety and sowing zucchini, you should look at the weather forecast for the current year in order to understand what spring will be like and how soon summer will come, because in the middle zone these indicators can vary from year to year.

Planting according to the lunar calendar

In accordance with the Lunar calendar in 2022, the best dates for planting zucchini seeds are as follows:

• 07-20.03;
• 06-18.04;
• 06-18.05;
• 04-16.06.

On a note!

At the same time, the following dates are suitable for planting seedlings of different varieties in order to obtain a harvest throughout the season: 03-16.06, 05-12.08, 01-13.09.

In October, young plants can only be planted in a greenhouse, since early cold weather will destroy the plants in the garden bed.

Rules for planting seeds

To obtain a good harvest and minimal care during their growth, it is very important to adhere to the correct sequence of sowing seeds, which consists of several stages:

Mid-season varieties

Skvorushka

Zucchini is mid-season. The average ripening period is 55 days. The vegetables are large, dark green in color, weighing up to 1 kg.

The culture has high taste qualities. The squash is great for transportation.

Kuand

Kuand is a high-yielding variety, resistant to frost and high humidity. The fruits ripen after 60 days and are ovoid in shape.

The average weight of one zucchini is 1 kg. Externally they have a bright spotted camouflage color and thin skin. The fruits have tender, juicy white-cream flesh. Zucchini does not lose its taste when preserved.

Gribovsky

The variety is high-yielding. Bushes tend to weave. The average ripening period is about 60 days. The fruiting period lasts approximately 45 days. The skin is white and quickly becomes rough. When overgrown, the taste of the fruit does not change; the pulp remains tasty.

The plant is disease resistant. The fruits retain their presentation for a long time and are ready for transportation. This type of zucchini is great for canning.

Golden

This is a universal Italian mid-season zucchini hybrid. Harvest can be done after 40 days.

The plant is bushy and high-yielding. On average, you can harvest up to 18 zucchini from one bush in a good year.

The fruits of this variety have a golden yellow color. The pulp of Zolotinka has a sweetish taste, the skin is thin and smooth. The average weight of a zucchini is 500 grams. The fruits are suitable for preparing baby food.

Recommendations for growing different species

To properly grow a plant, you need to familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of cultivating different types of zucchini.

Early ripening

It is recommended to plant early-ripening varieties of zucchini in compost beds, since in ordinary soil they will grow slowly and bear fruit poorly. It is necessary to arrange the compost bed in two layers:

• First layer. First, a hole is dug, the bottom of which is covered with limp potato tops and dried plant debris.
• Second layer. You need to add a little last year's compost on top.

Mid-season

Zucchini with medium ripening periods need fertilizing that promotes fruiting. The bushes must be periodically fed with mineral and organic fertilizers, which contain magnesium, nitrogen and calcium.

Late ripening

To speed up the ripening of late-ripening vegetables, they have to be fed and watered more often. For watering, use water warmed to room temperature. Potassium nitrate and superphosphate are used as fertilizers.

Late varieties

Spaghetti

Zucchini is considered late ripening. It takes up to 120 days to ripen. The bushes of the plant are compact. The fruits are cylindrical and dark yellow in color. The length of the zucchini reaches 30 cm.

The peel of the vegetables is dense, the flesh is thick with a creamy-orange color. The weight of the fetus can reach 1.5 kg. Shelf life - 5 months. The variety is not afraid of frost and is resistant to many diseases.

Interesting! The Spaghetti variety is very similar to the Spaghetti Raviolo and Tivoli varieties.

Planting in open ground

In warm regions of the country, you can do without seedlings and plant germinated seeds in open ground. It is better to do this in the second half of April.

Attention! Beware of frost. Frost can kill young plants

If the zucchini has already been planted, and the weather forecast predicts cold weather, then the seedlings need to be covered.

It is better to choose a well-lit area. In the shade, the vegetable blooms poorly and bears little fruit. Don't forget about crop rotation. You should not plant zucchini in the area where there used to be melons. The plant will be more comfortable where potatoes, onions or beets grew.

The area for planting is prepared in accordance with the variety. The distance between bush plants should be at least 70 cm, and for the rest you can leave slightly smaller gaps. Holes are dug according to the size of the root system, and a little water is poured into each hole.

After all preparations are completed, the seedlings are carefully removed from the pots and replanted

If there are no prepared seedlings, then the seeds need to be soaked overnight and germinated in a damp cloth. After the sprouts appear, the germinated seeds are buried 2-3 cm into the ground and lightly watered.

The best varieties of zucchini for different climates

For the Moscow region

Varieties that are suitable for the Moscow region are usually divided into groups: zucchini, hybrids and traditional varieties. Each group has its pros and cons.

Zucchini typically have a characteristic thick skin. Color may vary. The fruits are stored in favorable cool conditions for more than a month. The yield of zucchini for the Moscow region is lower than that of varieties for the central regions.

Varietal zucchini allows you to collect seeds that are suitable for sowing next year. The fruits are stored for a long time.

Important! The yield of hybrids is high, however, the fruit seeds cannot be used for the next season.

The best varieties for the Moscow region:

"White Bush"; “Iskander F1”, “Tsukesha”; "Golden"; Spaghetti; "Genovese"; "Golda"; "Tivoli"; “Tender marshmallows” and others.

Varieties of zucchini for the Urals

Zucchini for the Urals should be early ripening. For example, “White”, “Ball”, “Negro”, “Yellow-fruited”, “Tsukesha”, “Aeronaut”. Tender fruits ripen 45-50 days after emergence.

Late varieties can be harvested after 3 months. Suitable varieties: “Skvorushka”, “Black Beauty”, “Spaghetti Raviolo”, “Lagenaria Calabasa”.

The most delicious and stable varieties are: “Isolda”, “Marquise”, “Anchor”, “Tenderness”, “Gribovsky 37”, “Astoria”, “Rolik”, “Tristan”.

For Siberia

Moisture-resistant and cold-resistant varieties are excellent for the climate of Siberia, for example: Roller, “Karizma”, “Pharaoh”, “Gribovskie 37”, “Long-fruited, Polar Bear”.

Self-pollinating crops can grow in different climatic conditions: “Belogor”, “Partenon”, “Zucchini”, “Cavili”, “Apollo”.

All of the listed hybrids and varieties are universally suitable for growing vegetables in the Moscow region, Siberia and the Urals, as well as other regions. If you maintain a certain microclimate, you can harvest a decent harvest of zucchini.

Germination time of zucchini seeds

Before planting zucchini seedlings, you need to find out what are the favorable days for planting zucchini in 2022.
In different climatic regions, planting material is sown depending on the timing of the onset of stable warm weather and the absence of frost. Optimal conditions for crop growth are soil warming up to at least 12 degrees, moderate soil moisture and good lighting. Squash seeds germinate at different times, which depend on a number of factors:

• quality of seed material;
• seed preparedness;
• depth into the soil;
• ambient temperature;
• soil moisture.

Well-prepared swollen seeds, which are embedded in the soil at a distance of 3-5 cm from the surface, have a germination time of 3-5 days. Dry seeds planted in open ground germinate in 7-8 days.

System of methods for cultivating zucchini

Any gardener knows how to care for zucchini after planting. This process does not require a huge investment of your time and effort. Plant care involves keeping the top layer of soil free from weeds and loose.

It is also important to water on time, periodically fertilize and remove excess leaves. Fertilizing vegetables involves the use of mineral and organic components

The care procedure is divided into three stages: the first is before flowering begins; the second is pollination; and the third - during the fruiting period.

Caring for zucchini before flowering

Vegetables should produce a lot of ovaries, for this you need to feed the zucchini with the following infusion: dilute a spoonful of nitrogen impurities in 10 liters of water. So, a liter of such a solution is consumed per bush. Thanks to this, the plant develops well. Also suitable for feeding are a solution of manure and nettle infusion (it is made at the rate of 1 per 8 liters of liquid), a solution of manure. You need to water the plant at the root so that the liquid does not fall on the leaves. You can achieve excellent results by changing fertilizers of mineral and organic origin.

Feeding zucchini during flowering

When a plant begins to bloom, it needs to attract insects for pollination. This can be done using foliar feeding using the following solution: a spoonful of sugar or honey dissolved in a glass of liquid. The leaves are sprayed with a sweet solution so that they attract and lure bees and other insects for pollination. As a result of such manipulations, the number of ovaries can be increased. It is also necessary to cut off large leaves in the center of the bush for additional ventilation; this will also increase insects’ access to the flowers.

Care during fruiting period

This period involves not only basic feeding, but also additional:

Growth stimulator. It is carried out ten days after feeding. For preparation you need 2 liters of stimulant per 10 square meters;

Urea solution - place a tablespoon in 10 liters. In this case, one liter goes per bush.

How to water zucchini at different stages of growth

Caring for zucchini means regular, but not very frequent watering. If there is not enough moisture, the plant will quickly wither. Each bush requires at least 2 liters of liquid at different intervals. So one watering every ten days is enough if the plant is in the flowering period; zucchini needs a slightly larger volume of liquid if it bears fruit. When watering, the temperature of the water is important; too cold water can lead to rotting of the ovary.

The best self-pollinating species

Seedlings produce both male and female flowers. In most cases, pollination occurs due to insects. If we are talking about growing vegetables in a greenhouse, then this type of pollination will not be possible.

The way out of the situation is self-pollinating parthenocarpic seedlings. These types of zucchini grow well not only in a greenhouse, but also in open ground.

Cavili

The main advantage of such a seedling is its high yield and early ripening period.

The fruits are light green in color. The average ripening time for vegetables is 1.5 months, and fruiting lasts two months without the participation of pollinators. The pulp of zucchini is white, juicy, and delicate in taste.

Jellyfish

This variety is very early. Seedlings can withstand frost and drought.

The varieties ripen in 35 days. The fruits are light green in color and have a soft skin. The average weight of a zucchini is 800 grams and its length is 25 centimeters.

Parthenon

This Dutch selection variety has cylindrical dark green fruits, thick skin and juicy pulp. A lot of zucchini plants are produced without pollination.

Parthenon is considered high-yielding, ideal for growing in a greenhouse.

The peel is dense, the flesh is juicy. This hybrid can be preserved and also consumed without heat treatment.

Features of the climate in the region

The climate of the Moscow region is temperate continental, and its features should be taken into account when choosing varieties of vegetables for planting in your summer cottage. Since the main interest for gardeners is the time of year when crops are planted and actively growing, it should be noted that this region is characterized by warm and fairly long summers.

The average daily temperature in the warm season is 20°C, which is quite acceptable for a crop such as zucchini.

From the second ten days of April in the middle zone, a full-fledged spring begins, the soil is already ready for cultivation and summer residents have time to loosen it and apply fertilizers before planting seeds.

The average daily air temperature in May reaches 10°C, which makes it possible to plant seeds and seedlings in open ground this month, but since there is a high probability of frost on some days, the plantings should first be covered with film.

The region has average humidity and most precipitation falls in the summer as rain, which provides natural soil moisture. It should also be noted that daylight hours in summer are more than 15 hours, and in spring up to 12, which contributes to the good development of plants of different species.

Conclusion

To enjoy fresh vegetables at the beginning of summer, you can plant several zucchini bushes on the windowsill. Such fruits cannot be stored for a long time; they must be immediately eaten or prepared. Pumpkin crops have difficulty transplanting into open ground; damaged roots are poorly restored. It is better to plant seeds in peat pots, which are buried in the ground along with the sprout.

Planting in open ground is the first stage; now you need to properly take care of your green pets to help them quickly take root in a new place. Timely watering, fertilizing and loosening will create the necessary conditions, the seedlings will get stronger and begin to develop well. For preventative purposes, it is advisable to treat young plantings against pathogens and pests: when problems arise, it will be much more difficult to combat them. Spare no effort, take care of the zucchini, and very soon you will eat your fill of fresh, delicious fruits.

Methods for planting zucchini

The main methods of growing squash crops are planting in open ground and greenhouse vegetable growing. For both methods, you can either sow seedlings in advance, which will be grown indoors, or plant the seeds of the crop in the ground.

Experienced gardeners also practice the following alternative methods of growing zucchini:

• trellis method. For the method, climbing varieties of zucchini are used (for example, Profit F1). The technique significantly saves space and simplifies vegetable care. Along with planting the seed or transplanting the seedling, a trellis pole is installed along which the squash bush develops. You can plant this type of crop in greenhouses, on balconies, in beds next to buildings;
• growing in a bag. If there is no free area for growing zucchini, difficult terrain or the impossibility of creating favorable conditions for plant growing, plant in 50 or 100 liter bags. You can use durable polypropylene or plastic bags for this method. Fill the bottom with drainage in the form of sawdust or brushwood, add a layer of organic matter (rotted manure or compost) on top, and add garden soil. Plant seedlings or sow seeds directly into the bag;

• growing zucchini in barrels. In order not to occupy beds and greenhouses with bulky squash bushes, use empty barrels as a platform for vegetable growing. You can plant it either in a half container of a 200 or 150 liter tank, or sow zucchini in a whole barrel. Lay half of it with gravel, branches or sawdust, add a layer of organic natural fertilizers (mullein, rotted chicken droppings, compost) on top, and sprinkle with garden soil. The method allows you to save space and decorate your summer cottage with a tall green flower bed with squash leaves;
• planting on a compost heap. Rotted compost can be used as a site for growing zucchini. Spread a 30-35 cm layer of garden soil on top of the rotting organic matter and plant bushes, vegetables, seedlings or seeds. Overheating occurs with the release of heat, which will create favorable conditions for the development, growth and ripening of zucchini.

Zucchini can be grown not only in the garden, but also on loggias and balconies. Plant the seedlings in a container with soil substrate with a volume of 40-50 liters, ensure timely watering and caring for the plants. 2-3 months after sowing, you will receive a full harvest of zucchini.

Growing zucchini seedlings

In the northern and central regions, it is better to grow zucchini seedlings. In May (a month before the intended planting in the ground), zucchini and zucchini seeds are sown for growing without shelter. Before sowing, seeds are heated for 4-6 hours at a temperature of + 50...60°C (but not higher). You can warm them up in the sun for several days. The seeds are left in a damp cloth to germinate.

To stimulate germination, seeds are soaked for 6-12 hours and left in a damp cloth for another 1-2 days for germination. Pre-sowing treatment of seeds with solutions of microelements (manganese, boron, copper) - 2 g per 10 liters of water - reduces the disease with anthracnose.

Sowing is carried out by placing one sprouted (but not overgrown) seed in pots with a diameter of 10 cm. You can place two seeds in a pot, but in this case, after germination, the weaker ones must be immediately cut off with scissors. The pots are kept in a room at a temperature of +25...30°C until shoots appear, and when shoots begin to appear, the temperature is reduced for two days to +20...22°C.

While growing seedlings, give 1-2 feedings with a solution of mineral fertilizers (per 10 liters of water take 10 g of urea, 20 g of superphosphate, 10 g of potassium sulfate).

Zucchini seedlings must also have a shortened cotyledon and be no more than 30 days old (2 true leaves). All pumpkin crops tolerate root damage very poorly, so seedlings must be kept in peat pots or peat cubes. White spots on the leaves of seedlings are evidence of powdery mildew disease, yellow spots are evidence of anthracnose.

Collection and storage of zucchini

Zucchini is harvested as it ripens, that is, the first zucchini is sufficiently ripe for eating within one and a half to two months after sowing. Actually, zucchini, like cucumbers, is collected as unripe greens, reaching a length of 15-25 cm, while the seeds inside the fruit are small and tender. Harvesting not quite ripe fruits stimulates the formation and rapid growth of new zucchini. However, if you decide to place zucchini for winter storage, then you need to collect ripe fruits with a hard, thick crust.

The fruits are cut with pruning shears or a knife along the stalk. Young zucchini, intended for immediate consumption or canning, is cut off at the very base, and on mature fruits that you are planning to store, the stalks should be long, with an even cut, because the shaggy ends of the stalks quickly deteriorate, rotting the entire fruit.

Young zucchini of milky ripeness can be stored at a temperature of 0 to 2 ºC for two weeks - then they begin to wither or become rough, and sometimes rot. Ripe zucchini can be stored for up to five months, just like pumpkins - in a dry, cool place with good ventilation. Do not put them in the cellar, since there is usually high humidity, which stimulates the development of putrefactive processes, especially if there is damage to the fruit bark. Place the zucchini in a box lined with straw or pine sawdust, so that the fruits do not touch each other. For reliability, the stalk of each vegetable is dipped in molten paraffin - this measure guarantees a longer shelf life of the zucchini.

If you do not have a utility room in which to store zucchini, place them in your apartment in a dry and dark place, for example, roll them under the bed or place them near the door to the balcony. Zucchini can also be stored well in the refrigerator if placed in perforated plastic bags and placed in the vegetable department.

If stored properly, zucchini can last until the next harvest, but already in March, their seeds begin to germinate inside, and the pulp acquires a bitter taste.