Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that thrives in moderate temperatures, typically between 15°C and 29°C. It is not well-suited for extreme heat or cold. Growth slows significantly below 15°C, and it stops completely at 10°C. Flowering is also affected by temperature—below 15°C or above 32°C, flowers may drop prematurely. High temperatures can increase the risk of viral infections, while hot and humid conditions may lead to excessive growth and disease susceptibility. The ideal temperature range for flowering is 20°C to 25°C.
Zucchini has a strong root system, which allows it to absorb nutrients efficiently. It produces fruits quickly, so it requires deep, loose, and fertile soil. Sufficient water and fertilizer are essential for optimal growth and yield.
Cultivation methods vary depending on the season and region. In open fields, summer squash is usually planted once a year and harvested in spring. However, with the development of early-maturing varieties under small sheds, cultivation has expanded, especially in areas with longer frost-free periods where autumn planting is now possible.
For open field cultivation, seeds are sown in mid-April to early May, about 10–15 days before the last frost. Soil preparation includes deep tilling, creating 2m-wide beds with 1m-deep trenches. Seeds are sown 2–3 per hole, at a depth of 4–5cm. After sowing, the soil is covered and ridged, and after a week, the ridges are flattened to help seedlings emerge.
During the seedling stage, light cultivation helps promote root development. Watering is limited before flowering, but a small amount is applied just before bloom to encourage stem growth. Once female flowers appear, regular watering and top-dressing begin, gradually increasing as fruits develop. Fertilization is done 2–3 times to support fruit growth and delay plant aging.
In protected environments like plastic mulch, zucchini is either directly seeded or transplanted. Transplanting occurs in mid-March to mid-April, with planting done from late April to early May. Mulched beds are prepared with 60–70cm widths and 40cm spacing between rows. Seedlings are planted 40cm apart, and watering is done immediately after planting. Regular cultivation and careful management ensure healthy growth.
In the northeastern region, zucchini is often grown in late May, sometimes intercropped with corn and harvested between August and September.
Small arch sheds are used for early maturation and multi-crop systems in some areas. Seedlings are started in greenhouses using large containers (12–15cm tall, 10cm diameter) to encourage strong root development. Seeds are sown in mid-February to early March, and seedlings are hardened off before transplanting. Ethephon treatments can increase female flower production and improve early yields.
Planting under small arches begins when night temperatures reach 5°C and daytime temperatures exceed 10°C. Straw-covered sheds are planted in mid-March, and intercropping with cold-tolerant crops like cabbage is common in mid-April. Soil is warmed and fertilized before planting, and two rows are planted with proper spacing. Careful watering and temperature control are essential to avoid stress.
After planting, initial ventilation is avoided to prevent cold shock. As plants grow, ventilation increases gradually. Temperatures are maintained between 20°C and 25°C during the day, and 15°C at night. Film removal is done when temperatures stabilize around 20°C in mid-May.
Watering is done weekly initially, with more frequent irrigation when needed. Cultivation helps stimulate root growth and flower formation. Fertilization and watering are adjusted based on fruit development stages.
Female flowers often appear before male ones, making pollination difficult. To address this, 2,4-D solutions or artificial pollination is used. Some plants are grown ahead of time to provide pollen sources for better fruit set.
Harvesting begins about 10 days after flowering, when fruits weigh around 0.3kg. Timely harvesting promotes continuous growth and higher yields. Small shed-grown zucchini is harvested early, reducing disease risk and improving efficiency.
Greenhouse cultivation starts in February, with transplanting in March. Plants are protected with small arches during early growth. In colder regions like Northeast China, planting occurs in mid-April.
In sunlight greenhouses, overwintering zucchini is planted in October to November. Seedlings are raised in small greenhouses and transplanted into beds with proper spacing. Temperature management is critical, especially during cold spells. Ventilation is increased gradually, and fertilization supports both vegetative and reproductive growth.
Overwintered zucchini is harvested during the New Year and Spring Festival seasons, with early harvests ensuring better quality and yield. Early spring planting in greenhouses begins in December, with harvesting in March. Intercropping with oilseed rape is common, and zucchini can be directly sown on rapeseed plots.
After 3–4 harvests, some plants can be pruned to improve air circulation and light penetration, enhancing overall productivity. This method ensures high economic returns and efficient use of space and resources.
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