Zucchini - pressing block 10x10 cm

The zucchini originated in Mexico and southern America, from where it spread throughout the world. Initially, the plant was particularly popular in southern Europe, only fairly recently have zucchini been increasingly used in northern Europe as well. The zucchini belongs to the family of Cucurbitacea and is closely related to several other widely grown vegetables such as cucumber, squash, gherkin, melon. The plant has large, rough and deeply incised leaves that are spiny and hairy.The leaves grow close together on a short main stem (unlike pumpkins which have a creeping growth habit). There are several varieties today in all sizes, shapes and colors.

PLANTING:
Zucchini plants are best grown in a pot and then planted out. Direct sowing outside usually does not give good results.To germinate easily zucchini seeds need a constant and high temperature of at least 20 ° C.Do not give too much water, otherwise they will rot.After emergence, the temperature can be reduced. Obtaining your own seed is not really advisable. Zucchinis are cross-pollinators so it is very difficult to obtain pure seed yourself. The best varieties are hybrids, which are not seedfast. Especially early in the season it is best to buy quality plants to ensure a good start of your cultivation.

CULTIVATION TIPS:
Zucchinis are relatively easy to grow.

-They can be grown on all soil types, as long as they have access to plenty of water.
-They are greedy plants, so be sure to provide ample organic stock fertilizer (during or just after winter).
-Plant preferably in full sun, sheltered from strong winds.
-Give the plant sufficient space: maximum 1 plant/m².
-Zucchinis are very sensitive to frost.
-Transplanting into the garden should therefore preferably take place from mid-May onwards.
-It is possible to plant out earlier, but then it is best to cover with plastic foil or to grow under plastic tunnels or in a greenhouse.
Tip: Just like strawberries, zucchinis can also be grown on a (slightly raised) strip of black plastic foil or anti-root fabric. (Or as in the past: straw). This not only increases soil temperature, but also reduces soiled and rotten fruit.
-On a zucchini plant 2 types of flowers appear:
The male flowers, which usually appear first, are on a stalk and only provide pollen. They do not develop into fruits.
The female flowers have a ovary that, after pollination, grows into a full-fledged fruit.
-To ensure good pollination, at least 2 plants should be planted next to each other.

HARVESTING AND STORAGE:
Zucchini should be harvested young, when they are about 15-20 cm in size. This not only gives them the best taste, but also promotes fruit setting, resulting in a high yield. Don't be surprised: Zucchini can grow up to more than 1 cm per day and quickly become too big.if you wait too long before harvesting, you will end up with large mealy fruits with hardly any taste.The fruits are best cut with a knife. Always leave a stalk on the zucchini, this promotes storability. A zucchini consists for the most part of water. Store them preferably at a temperature of 10°C and a high level of humidity. Do not store in the refrigerator!

PROBLEMS AND DISEASES:
The plants have little susceptibility to disease.The most common problem is white disease -white fungal fluff on the leaves- which usually occurs from mid-August.Infected leaves can be removed if necessary. In old plants the problem is difficult to control.

VARIA:
Did you know that zucchini flowers are a real delicacy? Worth trying!