Courgette - Nefertiti, 12 seeds

Cucurbita pepo - Nefertiti

Zucchini is an annual vegetable that belongs to the species Cucurbita pepo and originates from Central America. However, zucchini itself comes from Europe - it was bred in Italy. There is a wide variety of zucchini cultivars that differ not only in size, but also in shape, coloring, and flesh flavor. It forms long fleshy shoots, similar to vines, on which yellow flowers bloom from June onwards. After flowering, elongated fruits form, which 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 the best option. Planting in black mulching non-woven fabric is suitable, as it helps warm the soil and prevents weed growth. If growing zucchinis without mulching fabric, mulch with organic material beneath them to maintain soil warmth.

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

  Seeds are sown in their location after May 15th, when the risk of ground frost is no longer present. Soak seeds in lukewarm water for a day before sowing. Plant in rows, at a distance of 50 to 100 centimeters individually.

  Seeds can be pre-grown 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. Plant outdoors only in the second half of May, and planting should be preceded by gradual hardening.

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

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

• Zucchinis 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 slightly moist soil. If mildew appears, affected leaves must be removed. Resistance to mildew can be increased with fungicides. If white coatings appear on plants, they have been affected by powdery mildew. It is advisable to use fungicides containing sulfur, which reliably eliminate the fungal disease.

  Flowers and young fruits are often attacked by slugs. The most effective method is their collection and subsequent elimination. Aphids can spread viral mosaic among plants, which manifests as distorted and stunted growth, twisted leaves, and yellow spots on leaves and fruits. Affected plants must be eliminated immediately. It is also necessary to eliminate aphids with special insecticides.

• Harvesting begins when fruits reach a length of 7 or more centimeters (maximum 20 centimeters). Zucchinis are picked from the plant with a stem of several centimeters, which helps them stay fresh for a few days longer.