Zucchini is easy to grow and harvest. A zucchini plant will give you a lot of fruits, it is important to place a trellis on it so that the zucchini can grow properly. Learn in this article how and when to harvest zucchini.
Zucchini fruits will start to be ready for harvesting, depending on the growing conditions: weather, fertility, water availability, etc.
Generally, the first zucchini fruits should be harvested about 2 months after sowing, or 1 month after transplanting. These times can be even shorter if the conditions are particularly good for the development of the plant, especially in terms of pleasant temperatures and plenty of light.
When to Harvest Zucchini
When to Harvest Zucchini? Zucchini fruits should be harvested unripe, i.e. long before they complete their development.
From the moment the zucchini fruits reach a length of about 6” to 8” (15-20 cm), and a diameter of about 2” (5 cm), the zucchini can be harvested. At this size, they will weigh about 0.5 lbs. (250 grams) each.
If you harvest zucchini under these conditions, the zucchini is very tender and sweet, with no bitter taste at all due to the Cucurbitacin. Zucchini flowers are edible and very tasty, we recommend our article about harvesting zucchini flowers.
When the zucchini flower that was at the end of the fruit finishes wilting and falls off, this usually indicates that the fruit can be cut. Learn more about Planting Zucchini on a Trellis.
But what happens if the zucchini is already 10” or 12” (25 or 30 cm) long? If it is at the beginning of the crop, nothing happens, they can be harvested anyway. At that size, they will still be tender and will not have seeds inside. On the other hand, when zucchini plants are nearing the end of their production, it is more likely that those fruits over 10” (25 cm) in length are of poorer quality.
When Is a Zucchini Ready to Harvest
When Is a Zucchini Ready to Harvest? Zucchini are harvested when they are about halfway through their development, and before they harden. They are tastiest when they are between 6” to 8” (15-20 cm) long, 1.6” to 2.4” (4-6 cm) in diameter, and weigh approximately 0.5 lbs. (250 grams). Although the time of harvesting differs with the variety of zucchini and the growing cycle, harvesting normally begins 45-65 days after sowing, if the temperature has been adequate.
Zucchini fruits should be harvested when the flowers attached to the end of the fruit begin to dry. Fruits that are too large contain numerous seeds and are not as tasty. The ripe zucchini fruit can be appreciated by its dark green color, and hard skin and when cut it is hollow and with the presence of seeds. These seeds begin to form when the fruit begins to thicken.
When to Harvest Black Beauty Zucchini
When to Harvest Black Beauty Zucchini? Black Beauty zucchini can be harvested after 55 to 65 days of cultivation. Black Beauty zucchini can also be harvested when they are between 6″ and 8″ (15 and 20 cm) long.
- Glossy, black-green zucchini with creamy, White flesh. Plants are easy to grow with an early harvest
- Each packet contains 100 seeds
- Sow outdoors 4 weeks after the average last frost date and harvest in 50 days
How to Tell When Zucchini Is Ready to Harvest
How to Tell When Zucchini Is Ready to Harvest? Zucchini is ready to harvest when it measures between 6” to 8” (15 and 20 cm). You will also notice that the zucchini flower will be drying, you must harvest it on time to get the best flavor.
Each zucchini plant produces between 20 and 40 fruits. As the zucchini is harvested, the production of the plant is stimulated. Learn more about Zucchini Leaves Turning Yellow.
How to Harvest Zucchini
How to Harvest Zucchini? Zucchini is harvested by hand, using a sharp, clean knife or razor. A pair of pruning shears should also be used to harvest zucchini.
The cut is made along the stalk that holds the fruit to the plant, about 0.8” or 1” (2 or 3 cm) above the fruit. For better preservation, the fruit should keep that piece of the peduncle.
It is preferable to harvest the zucchini in the morning before the sun warms up, or in the afternoon, once the temperatures have dropped. If zucchini is harvested at midday on a very hot day, the fruits will be very hot, affecting their conservation if they cannot be taken quickly to the refrigerator.
In the lower part of the refrigerator, zucchini will keep well for 9 to 10 days, provided they have been brought in good condition and healthy.
Zucchini should be handled with great care. Their skin is very delicate and can be injured at the slightest touch or blow. If this happens, their conservation will also be compromised.
