Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Zucchini

Prolific summer squash that produces abundantly from just 2-3 plants. One of the easiest and most productive warm-season vegetables.

Sun

Full sun (6-8 hours)

Water

1-2 inches per week

Days to Harvest

45-60

Difficulty

beginner

Spacing

36"

Frost Tolerance

none

The Short Answer

Zucchini are frost-sensitive and need warm soil and air temperatures to thrive. Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outside 2 weeks after your last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. You can also direct sow seeds 2 weeks after your last frost. Enter your zip code on our homepage tool for exact dates.

How to Grow Zucchini

Zucchini is so productive that it's become a cultural punchline — 'leaving bags of zucchini on neighbors' doorsteps' is a genuine summer tradition. Three plants feed a family of four with surplus. The fruit doubles in size overnight during peak season, so check plants daily. Harvest at 6-8 inches for the best flavor and texture; giant zucchini are impressive but watery and seedy. Male flowers appear first and outnumber female flowers roughly 10:1 — this is normal, not a pollination problem. The flowers themselves are a delicacy: stuff with ricotta, batter, and fry.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Begin zucchini seeds indoors 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Seeds need soil temperatures of at least 60°F to germinate, which typically takes 5-10 days. Provide 12 hours of light per day using a south-facing window or grow lights.

Transplanting

Move seedlings outside 2 weeks after your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 60°F. Harden off seedlings for 7 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Direct Sowing

Zucchini can be direct sown 2 weeks after your last frost date. Plant seeds 1" deep, spaced 36" apart.

Growing Tips

Harvest when 6-8 inches long for best flavor. Check plants daily — zucchini can double in size overnight. One plant produces 6-10 pounds per season.

Companion Planting

Good companions:

Beans Corn Nasturtiums

Keep away from:

Potatoes

Zucchini Planting Dates by State

Click your state for zucchini planting dates specific to your location:

Note: Planting dates are based on average frost dates from NOAA Climate Normals (30-year averages). Actual conditions vary year to year. Always check your local forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026