Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo var. Giromontina) is a botanical variety of squash. Its fruits are strongly elongated, slightly ribbed, dark green in color, less often yellow, and with a delicate, brittle flesh (free from the characteristic smell of pumpkin). It is worth appreciatingnutritional value of zucchiniand its taste. See whatcultivating courgettes in the ground looks likeand selectthe best varieties of courgettesfor growing in garden beds.
Zucchini - cultivation in the ground
Fig. pixabay.com
Zucchini - nutritional values
The nutritional value of zucchiniis widely appreciated, and the vegetable is an important ingredient in many diets.Zucchini is a vegetable rich in B vitamins(B1 and B2), as well as vitamins A and C. It is also a great source of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. With this we alth of vitamins and minerals,zucchini is low in calories(only 15 kcal in 100 grams) and does not accumulate heavy metals and nitrates.Zucchini is an easily digestible vegetable , rich in water and fiber.
Thanks to these propertieszucchini is widely used in the kitchenPerfect for pickling , pickling, processing and also to be eaten raw.
Good to know!
Yellow zucchini flowers are also edible. They are suitable for salads, soups and stuffing, but they are said to be the tastiest in casseroles or combined with fried pancake dough. Both male and female flowers are edible.They taste the same. To enjoy zucchini fruits, pick only male flowers (but leave a few for pollination possible). Male flowers can be recognized by a thin stem. In female flowers, there is a dark green thickening, i.e. an ovule, just below the calyx. Leave them all on the plant.
Zucchini - cultivation in the ground
The best position for growing zucchini in the groundwill be a sunny position, sheltered from the wind.
For the cultivation of zucchini, the soil should be usedfertile, humus-rich, well-drained, with good humidity. The reaction of the soil for growing zucchini should be close to neutral. The idealThe pH of the soil for growing zucchiniis 6.5.
Zucchini is a thermophilic vegetablefavoring temperatures in the range of 20-25 ° C. Courgettes are grown in the ground by sowing seeds directly into the field or from seedlings.The date of sowing zucchini seeds directly into the groundis not earlier than May 15, when the soil temperature is above 10-12 ° C.Seeds are sown 2-3 pcs. In a spacing of 100x80-100 cm.
If you want to get the harvest faster, you can alreadyin April sow zucchini on the seedbed , and in the second half of May blow her to the ground. Place the zucchini seedlings on the bedsspacing100x80-100 cm.
Zucchini can be eaten fresh, subjected to heat treatment, and also made into preserves.
Fig. pixabay.com
Zucchini fruits start harvesting in mid-July , and in the case of zucchini cultivation from seedlings on average two weeks earlier, depending on the intended use and variety.Zucchini can be eaten at any stage of maturity , but the tastiest fruits are 10-25 cm long, with a thin, delicate skin. Harvesting is carried out every few days, because the grown fruits left on the plant inhibit the development of the next ones.
Zucchini fruits10-15 cm long can be stored for 14 days, older fruits can be stored for up to 4 weeks. Green colored skins keep better than yellow and orange ones.
Zucchini - varieties for the garden
Fruits of individual zucchini varietiesdiffer in shape (they can be cylindrical or club-shaped) as well as the color of the skin (green, dark green, orange, dark green covered with light spots or streaks). For outdoor cultivation in the garden, it is worth choosingearly zucchini varieties
Of the veryearly zucchini varietiessuitable for garden cultivation, it is worth mentioning thezucchini 'Astra Polska'It has a bushy habit, short shoots and large, cut leaves with light streaks. The fruits of this variety of zucchini are club-shaped with a smooth surface, their color is patchy, dark green, and the flesh is greenish-white and light cream, firm. 'Astra Polska' yields from the end of June to the first frost and is resistant to downy mildew.
Zucchini - yellow variety
Fig. pixabay.com
Another early variety of zucchiniZucchini 'Nimba'Has a bushy habit, a large number of side shoots and green, non-mottled leaves. The fruits of this variety of zucchini are club-shaped with a light green skin, up to 40 cm long, with a white-cream and brittle flesh. The variety 'Nimba' is recommended for direct consumption and canning.
Another early variety of courgettes is thecourgette 'Lajkonik'bushy habit with a small leaf blade. The fruits of this variety are very shapely, cylindrical and ribbed. The color of the rind is patchy, light green with dark green broad streaks. The flesh of young 'Lajkonik' zucchini fruits is whitish, and when ripe - orange.
A variety appreciated by gardeners iszucchini 'Atena Polka F1'- the first hybrid type of courgette, very fertile. This plant has a bushy habit and fruits with the original yellow color of the skin.
Another highly valued variety iszucchini 'Diamant' It is a bushy and branchy plant with large leaves and pretty flowers. The fruit is club-shaped with a dark green skin with light spots. The flesh is firm, creamy, mild and aromatic. The most delicious fruits are young, up to 30 cm long.
A novelty among the zucchini varieties for the garden iszucchini 'Tondo di piacenza'It is an early variety, fertile, creates strong, fast-growing, low plants, on which appear round, green fruits. It is distinguished by a dark color of the skin and firm, quite dense flesh.
Pozucchini seeds of the highest qualityvisit our guide. We have found for our readers the best varieties for amateur garden and allotment cultivation.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
