Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Grey Zucchini is a distinctive summer squash variety known for its grayish-green skin, setting it apart from traditional counterpart varieties, such as Black Beauty Zucchini. Beyond its unique appearance, Grey Zucchini offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender, succulent texture, perfect for a wide range of culinary creations, from stir-fries and grilling to raw salads. Its growth habits are well-suited for the warm summer season, making it a popular choice for both gardeners and home cooks seeking a twist on the classic zucchini.
NAME: Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)
VARIETY: Grey
DAYS TO MATURITY: 45 – 50 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Annual
STATIFICATION: Not required
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 11
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Well-draining, fertile soils with a pH 6.5 – 7.5
SPACING: 3 – 4 feet apart
PLANT HEIGHT: 18 – 36 inches
TEMP: 55 – 85ºF
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Start seeds 1 week before your last local spring frost.
Sow 2 seeds 1/2 inch deep in a cell tray or in 4 inch pots that have proper, moistened seed starting mix.
Provide a heated area or heat mats to keep the soil temps at 60 to 70°F.
Supply fluorescent/LED grow lights 3 inches above the cell trays or pots, 12 hours on, 12 hours off.
Keep the soil moist until seedlings sprout, germination will occur in 5 to 10 days.
Remove all but 1 seedling per each cell or pot as soon as they are 2 inches tall.
Once the soil reaches 60°F, direct sow into your pre-prepared beds, one seed 1/2 inch deep every 12 inches in rows that are spaced 3 feet apart.
Water generously and germination will occur in 5 to 10 days.
Once seedlings emerge, thin seedlings so they will are spaced 3 feet apart, which will allow them to have the space to fully mature and produce large crops; overcrowded plants will produce less.
In cool climates, Grey Zucchini seeds should be started indoors.
Prep your planting beds by picking a spot that gets full sun and has loose, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, removing any surrounding weeds and adding ample compost.
Avoid getting the leaves wet as this can cause diseases such as rot or mildew.
Zucchini plants have shallow root structures, so when the leaves begin to develop, add a layer of mulch to help conserve moisture, control weeds and keep the squashes clean from too much soil contact.
Harvest grey zucchini when they are young and tender, typically around 6-8 inches in length.
Use a sharp knife to cut the zucchini from the vine, taking care not to damage the plant.
Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production.
Additionally, harvest flower blossoms early in the morning when fully open, using scissors to snip with a short stem attached; rinse gently and use immediately for culinary dishes or store briefly in the refrigerator.
