Courgette WANDA

Cucurbita pepo - Wanda

Zucchini is an annual vegetable that belongs to the species Cucurbita pepo and originates from Central America. However, the zucchini comes from Europe - it was bred in Italy. There are many different varieties of zucchini that differ not only in size, but also in shape, color, and the taste of their flesh. It produces long, fleshy shoots similar to vines, on which yellow flowers bloom from June onwards. After flowering, elongated fruits form that can display various shades of green, yellow, or white.

Zucchini is rich in minerals. The fruits contain vitamin B, C, and potassium, which helps the body eliminate excess water and salt. They have a high water content of approximately 90% and are also rich in fiber. Zucchini is a low-calorie food suitable for weight-loss diets.

How to Grow Zucchini

• Plants require a sunny location. Regular watering is essential, with settled rainwater being best. Planting in black mulch fabric is recommended, as it helps warm the soil and prevents weed growth. If growing zucchini without mulch fabric, mulch around them with organic material to maintain soil warmth.

• Plants can be pre-grown, but can also be sown directly in the bed.

  Seeds are sown on site after May 15, when the risk of ground frost has passed. Soak seeds in lukewarm water for a day before sowing. Plant in rows, spacing them 50 to 100 centimeters apart individually.

  Seeds can be pre-grown indoors on a windowsill, in a greenhouse, or in a cold frame. A substrate designed for sowing is suitable. Pots must be at least 10 cm large, as plants require plenty of space. Plant 1 seed per pot. Transplant outdoors only in the second half of May, and hardening off should precede planting.

• They require a warm, sheltered location and well-drained, nutrient-rich growing substrate. They can also be grown on compost.

• Organic fertilizers or plant extracts rich in potassium are most suitable for fertilizing. During the growing season, enrich the growing substrate with organic fertilizer or a potassium-rich plant extract once every 21 days.

• Zucchini are relatively resistant to diseases. During hot and dry weather, downy mildew may occur. Plants grow poorly and a grayish coating appears on the leaves. Prevention includes regular watering and maintaining moderately moist soil. If mildew occurs, infected leaves must be removed. Resistance to mildew can be increased with fungicides. If white coatings appear on plants, they have been infected with powdery mildew. Fungicides containing sulfur are suitable and will effectively eliminate the fungal disease.

  Flowers and young fruits are often attacked by slugs. The most effective method is to collect and destroy them. Aphids can spread viral mosaic between plants, which manifests as stunted and distorted growth, twisted leaves, and yellow spots on leaves and fruits. Infected plants must be destroyed immediately. Aphids must also be eliminated using special insecticides.

• Begin harvesting when fruits reach a length of 7 centimeters or more (maximum 20 centimeters). Pick zucchini from the plant with a stem several centimeters long, which will help them stay fresh for a few days longer.