Have you ever wondered how to grow zucchini in containers when you are limited on garden space? Zucchini is a vegetable I choose for the garden every year as it is healthy and grows prolifically. This winter I have even been growing zucchini in my greenhouse in containers! These plants have provided a lot of fresh zucchini during winter!
In the summer, I typically grow a vining type zucchini in the in ground garden, but the bush varieties are just as yummy! I would even dare to say the bush varieties are every bit as prolific as vining varieties! Here is everything you need to know for how to grow zucchini in containers.
The Best Zucchini Varieties for Containers
The compact bush variety of zucchini are the ones you’ll want to choose for container growing. Some great varieties are as follows:
I am currently growing the Emerald Delight summer squash variety and they are doing extremely well in the containers.
Planting the Zucchini Seeds
I started my zucchini seeds in my seed starting trays along with other seeds I was growing for my greenhouse. I did not need a ton of plants, just enough for us and enough to share with family. Zucchini seeds germinate best in an optimal soil temperature around 85°F, so using a heat mat is recommended especially in winter. Use a quality sterile seed starting mix and sow one seed per cell. Keep the seed trays moist until the seeds germinate, then place them in the sun or use a grow light. Once your zucchini seeds have 3 – 4 true leaves, transplant them into your container.
You can also directly sow the zucchini seeds in your container. Plant the seed about 1/2″ – 1″ deep and keep the soil moist until the seed germinates.
Selecting your Container
Zucchini has fairly shallow roots, so a container or pot that is 12″ deep is adequate. I purchased these short 5 gallon nursery pots for growing in the greenhouse this winter and they have been plenty big enough for the Emerald Delight variety. The container should have adequate drainage and fill it using a high quality potting soil.
All squash plants have large leaves and even though these are bush varieties I want to make sure they have plenty of room. I only plant one squash plant per container to ensure each plant has plenty of room for adequate root development and for the leaves to spread out.
Caring for you Zucchini in Containers
Summer squash, such as zucchini, require pollination for fruit to mature. We are lucky enough to have very warm days at our south Texas homestead, even in winter. The warm days allow me to open the greenhouse doors and vents so the pollinators are free to fly in and out of the greenhouse and pollinate the zucchini. However, if you are growing in a colder climate, you will need to hand pollinate the female flowers to ensure they mature. Growing zucchini in a container or raised bed outdoors during the summer should not need hand pollination.
Do not forget to feed your zucchini plants; I fertilize my transplants and the mature plants weekly. Fertilize small transplants with 3 – 4 true leaves by mixing a balanced fertilizer half strength and applying it weekly. Mature plants can be fed by mixing the balanced fertilizer as directed on the label and feeding weekly.
If you notice your squash plants are plagued by squash bugs, vine borers or cucumber beetles you can spray them using neem oil or Bug Buster O. Either insecticide may be used in an organic garden.
When to Harvest your Zucchini
Zucchini are very fast growers which can result in overgrown fruit quickly. You may harvest zucchini anytime, but they’re perfect for roasting or sautéing when they’re around 6″ – 8″ long. Be sure to check on your plants daily, because zucchini can grow into the size of baseball bats before you know it! Cut the fruit from the plant using scissors or pruners leaving about 1″ – 2″ of stem on the fruit. Try to avoid twisting the fruit off of the plant as it can result in root damage or plant damage.
Preserving the Harvest
I enjoy zucchini in many different ways! Check below for some popular ways to enjoy the harvest:
Happy gardening and enjoy the harvest!
I love your greenhouse! I’ve tried veggies in pots before but never zucchini. Thanks so much for linking up at the Unlimited Link Party 71. Pinned.
Our most prolific zucchini yields have been in a three foot wide planter along our patio. They spill out on to the concrete and PRODUCE so many there! I’ve never tried them in a pot, but we may give it a go! Thanks for the clue on the varieties that ‘may or may not contain themselves, LOL. Sandi
CONGRATS Stacie! Your post is FEATURED at the Unlimited Link Party 72!
Thank you so much!
I’ve grown herbs in pots on my deck for years but have never attempted vegetables. I love this idea and will pin this to use for next growing season. Thanks and thanks for visiting my blog and commenting.
Judee,
These zucchini are so easy to grow! I’m sure you’ll enjoy them! Happy gardening!