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Zucchini seed

With zucchini seeds, you'll have an abundance of fresh vegetables in no time. The plants grow quickly, flower profusely, and produce plenty of firm, flavorful fruits. Zucchini loves sun, space, and fertile soil. Sow early indoors or directly outdoors and enjoy a summer harvest that keeps on coming.

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In this video Sarah and Tom show you how to sow courgettes, among other things.

Also read our growing guide about growing zucchini.

The best zucchini seeds for your vegetable garden

Introduction to sowing zucchini

Sowing zucchini is one of the most enjoyable ways to start your vegetable garden. This vegetable grows quickly, produces a bountiful harvest, and looks stunning with its large leaves and yellow flowers. Whether you prefer the classic green, a sunny yellow, or a playful climber, everything starts with good zucchini seeds. In our assortment, you'll find a wide selection of zucchini seeds, including organic and regular varieties, so you can always make the right choice. Zucchini belongs to the cucumber family, a family that also includes melons and squashes, and comes in all shapes and sizes, such as the yellow zucchini with its unique color and flavor, and the zucchini variety, known for its good yield and regular harvest.

Before you get started: make sure you have good seed compost, some pots or a spot in the ground, and especially a warm, bright spot. Zucchini doesn't like the cold, so sowing under glass or indoors is a good idea if you want an early start. Be careful, though: night frost and strong winds can be real game changers for young plants. Good preparation makes all the difference – and you'll be guaranteed tasty, healthy zucchini later on.

Sowing zucchini

Sow from the end of May, as soon as the risk of frost has passed and the sun begins to shine brightly. You can also sow zucchini directly in the ground, but the right timing is important: wait until nighttime temperatures have stabilized. Transplanting or sowing in the ground is often not safe until the end of June, after the last cold spell.

Use a pot at least four inches deep and plant the seeds about one centimeter below the surface. Within a few days, you'll see life emerge: the seeds will begin to germinate and the first green shoots will appear. Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet, and maintain a constant temperature of around twenty degrees Celsius.

Make sure you have enough space outdoors as well: zucchini love their freedom. Consider the space you need and the type of plant you choose. Plant them about 140 by 60 centimeters apart. If you have less space, choose a compact variety or a climbing variety; a climbing zucchini grows well along wire mesh as a support. And feel free to sow in the morning, when the temperature is most stable, and you can start the day with something enjoyable.

Caring for the zucchini plants

Once your plants have a few true leaves, they can go outside. Some zucchini varieties are particularly well-suited to growing in pots or small spaces. Give them a sunny spot with some shelter from strong winds. And remember: zucchini are hungry plants. They love nutrient-rich soil, so mix in some compost.

Water regularly, especially when it's warm. But be careful: wet feet aren't pleasant, so make sure the soil drains well. And check occasionally to make sure no snails or other pests are around. Healthy zucchini plants grow like crazy and will soon reward you with your first harvest.

Planting out and caring for the plants

From mid-May onwards, you can move your zucchini plants outdoors. Be aware of the risk of night frost: only plant them out once the risk of frost has passed. Find a nice spot in full sun and give them plenty of room to grow. For example, plant them next to a hedge or fence: this will provide some shelter.

Provide airy, nutrient-rich soil and water immediately after planting. Take measures to keep the plants healthy, such as regularly checking for diseases. Water preferably in the morning, so the leaves dry thoroughly during the day. Keep an eye out for diseases like powdery mildew and take action promptly if you see anything suspicious.

Zucchini grow incredibly quickly—sometimes you can pick them every day. Do it! Harvest them when they're about 15 to 20 centimeters long. That's when they're at their best, and by picking regularly, you encourage new fruit production, keeping the plant producing.

The importance of flowers for the harvest

No flowers, no zucchini. The plants produce both male and female flowers. The female ones have a mini-zucchini underneath the flower – that's where it all comes from. Insects like bees usually take care of pollination, but you can also lend a hand with a paintbrush.

Flowers can be white or yellow, and some zucchini are even saucer-shaped. They're both lovely to look at and delicious to eat. Keep a close eye on the flowers, as they determine your harvest. And with a little help from you, it will yield a lot of delicious food.

Harvesting zucchini

Harvesting is a joy. You don't have to wait long, because you can start picking within a few weeks of planting. Young, harvested zucchini tastes best and ensures your plant continues to produce more. Gently pluck them with a knife or twist them off the plant.

Want to save seeds for next year? Let one zucchini grow extra large and ripe. Cut it open, remove the seeds, and let them dry thoroughly. Store them in a dark, dry place, and you'll have a great start next year.

Win your own zucchini seeds

Want to collect your own zucchini seeds? It might sound complicated, but it's actually quite simple – and super fun too! You'll really personalize your vegetable garden, and within a few days, you'll have your own little pantry full of seeds. You'll know exactly which tasty treats you want in your garden next year. And the best part? You can experiment with different varieties and discover what grows best in your own patch of soil.

It all starts with the female flowers of your zucchini plant – you can recognize them by the small zucchini sprouting underneath. Now it's becoming a bit of a "love island" in your garden: to prevent insects from the cucumber family from causing unwanted encounters, take a piece of fleece and cover a few female flowers as soon as they open. Choose a nice warm, windless day – preferably in the morning when everything is still calm – and play cupid with a paintbrush. Transfer the pollen from a male flower to the female flower. This way, you can be sure your seeds will remain pure and you can sow exactly the same delicious zucchini next year.

After this romantic moment, it's time to pamper your plants a little. Give them regular sips of water, especially when it's dry, and treat them to some compost every now and then – they love it! Do keep an eye on the temperature: zucchini are true warmth-lovers, but night frost is truly their biggest enemy. In the greenhouse, you can start as early as mid-May, but in the open ground, it's better to wait until the end of May. Better safe than sorry than to end up with frozen plants later.

Now comes the exciting part: let your fertilized zucchini grow wild – much larger than you'd normally pick for the pan. It can take a while, sometimes a few days, sometimes a few weeks, depending entirely on the variety and the weather. Once your zucchini looks truly ripe, pick it and remove the seeds. Rinse them under running water and place them in a warm, dry place to dry. This usually takes a few days, but make sure they're completely dry before storing them – otherwise you'll have some nasty surprises later.

It's best to store your dried seeds in a dark, dry place. This way, you'll build a beautiful collection for next season and can enjoy your own, carefully selected zucchini year after year. Let's be honest: it's not always 100% successful – variety, temperature, and a bit of luck all play a role. But with a little love and attention, it's a truly fantastic way to personalize your garden and always have the tastiest zucchini.

In short: collecting your own zucchini seeds is simply a convenient way to control the taste, shape, and color of your harvest. You know exactly what you have, and you can experiment with different varieties. This way, you get the very best from your garden, year after year – and you'll be delighted every time those first seeds sprout!

Order and buy zucchini seeds for planting

In our webshop, you'll find various types of zucchini seeds – from classic green to sunny yellow, including the well-known Bolster brand. We also have suitable varieties for pots and greenhouses. Orders placed before 3 PM will be shipped the same day. Choose what suits your garden and order easily online.

Store your seeds in a cool, dry place, or order new ones in advance. Do you have any questions about which zucchini is best for your garden? Let us know – we're happy to help. And then it's time to sow!

With a little attention, water, and love, your zucchini plant will grow into a vigorous grower that will provide you with a fresh harvest all summer long. Happy growing!

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