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Summer Squash (including zucchini)
UC Links
Summer Squash
Pest management: Squash cultural tips, pests, and diseases
The Basics
When to plant
- Transplant or direct seed: May–July, possibly April for transplanting.
- For best results, wait until daytime temperatures are regularly over 70°F and soil temperature is over 65°F.
- Start in pots for transplants: March–June; ready to transplant in 4 weeks.
Harvest window: July–October, depending on variety
Care overview
- Encourage bees for best pollination.
- Harvest squash while young and tender before they get too large and become tough.
- Follow good cultural practices to prevent powdery mildew.
- Treat squash bugs aggressively if found on plants.
Video: Zucchini to Harvest in Vertical Cage [1:15]
More links
Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County*
| Astia zucchini F1 | French variety for containers & small gardens. Glossy green fruits on compact vines, early and productive. |
| Cocozelle zucchini | Italian heirloom, dark green with light stripes. Compact and early. Pick as baby squash or up to 12 inches. |
| Peter Pan pattypan F1 | Light green, meaty scalloped squashes, vigorous and early. Delicious, sweet flavor. Pick at 1–3 inches. AAS winner. |
| Romanesco F1 | Italian type, dark green with light stripes. Early, productive, delicious. |
| Starship pattypan F1 | Dark green scalloped squashes on vigorous, compact plant. Pick when small 3–4 inches. |
| Sunburst pattypan F1 | Tender, golden scalloped squash on a vigorous plant. Pick tiny with the blossom still attached or teacup-size. AAS winner. |
| Sunny Supersett F1 | Delicious yellow crookneck with tender skin and nutty flavor. Bush plants are mildew resistant and productive. |
Other recommended varieties: Aristocrat, Goldrush, Horn of Plenty, Raven
* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.