How to grow Zucchini in Australia
Needs full sun and rich, well drained soil with steady moisture. Water deeply at the base and keep leaves dry to limit mildew.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 10 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 80 cm
- Time to harvest: 60 days
- Time to germinate: 7 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | August to March | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | September to March | Coastal gardens can sow in August as in SEQ. In hinterland frost pockets wait until September. |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | September to February | Start indoors late Aug; direct sow Sept+ when soil warms; avoid frost. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | October to December | Sow direct Oct to Nov (Dec latest). Soil must reach 20°C; don't rush Sept sowing. Frost will kill. |
| Adelaide & SA | September to December | Sow Sep undercover or Oct to Dec direct after frost. Succession sow; plants tire in heatwaves. Hand pollinate early and late in the season. |
| Perth & WA | August to October | Mediterranean: narrow to Aug to Oct sowing. Zucchini set fruit only in warm shoulder seasons; avoid Jan heat stress. |
| Tasmania | October to December | Sow Oct to Dec once soil passes 18C, or start indoors in Sep. Frost kills, but two plants still feed a family. |
| Canberra & ACT | November and December | Frost tender. Sow direct Nov to Dec after the last frost in early November. Crops hard until the first autumn frost. |
| North Queensland | April to August | Dry season Apr to Aug. Townsville plants zucchini from May. Powdery mildew ends wet season plantings fast. |
| Darwin & Top End | April to August | Dry season only Apr to Aug. Darwin zucchini die off once build up humidity arrives in Oct to Nov. |
Varieties
- Black Beauty
- Golden Zucchini
- Lebanese (Cousa)
- Costata Romanesco
- Tromboncino
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick while young and glossy at around finger to hand length, before they swell large. Cut with a short stem; frequent picking keeps a heavy crop coming.
Storage
Fridge in the crisper, up to 5 days. Grate and freeze for baking.