Cultivation of Zucchini in India
Cultivation of Zucchini in India
Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.), also known as summer squash, is an unusual exotic vegetable that has gained popularity recently in India. In some parts of the world, it is also known as field pumpkin or vegetable marrow. Zucchini grows quickly and yields a lot, making it appropriate for production throughout India. It is said to be the only annual bush-type cucurbit suitable for human consumption worldwide, having originated in America and northeastern Mexico.
The plant has a trailing habit with fewer internodes and can bear fruit in a closed succession. The creeper vine known as zucchini can grow up to three feet in length. 7 to 8 fruits are produced on one plant. It is a favorite vegetable for health-conscious people.
Pepo, the botanical name for the fruits, can be picked 50–60 days after they are sown. Although most zucchini are monoecious, certain mutants are androecious.
In 2024, the market for exotic vegetables in India was valued at USD 2.4 billion. According to IMARC Group’s forecast, the market would increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.45% from 2025 to 2033, reaching USD 6.7 billion. This report indicates that zucchini, one of the exotic vegetables cultivated in India, has great potential to enhance your farm income.
Nutrient Value of Zucchini:
The nutritional value of 100 g of Zucchini is as follows:
| Types | Quantity | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 17 Kl | |
| Total Fat | 0.3 g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | |
| Sodium | 8 mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g | 4% |
| Sugars | 25 g | |
| Protein | 1.2 g | 2% |
| Vitamin C. | 29% | |
| Vitamin B6. | 10% | |
| Calcium | 1% | |
| Magnesium | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 37% | |
| Potassium | 191 mg | 5% |
| The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. Source: USDA | ||
Soil and Climatic Requirements for Zucchini Cultivation:
The best soil for growing zucchini is considered to be sandy loam. The pH level of soil should be between 6.5 to 7. A temperature of 20 to 40 degrees Celsius is necessary for good crop growth. The field should have a good drainage system, because waterlogging can damage the crop.
Field preparation for zucchini cultivation:
Prepare the field with a deep plough before planting the crop. After this, spray organic fertilizer and then plough again. The soil should be watered and ploughed deeply and obliquely. Later, level the field.
Popular varieties of zucchini for cultivation:
| Ambassador |  | It is a dark green cultivar that grows early. In fifty days, it will be ready for harvest. |
| Black Beauty |  | Early-growing cultivar, High-yielding variety |
| Green Machine |  | It takes 45 days for this cultivar to mature. |
| Gold Rush |  | Identical, cylindrical fruit that will be harvested in 45 days |
| Eight Ball |  | Dark green globe fruit with a buttery flavor that takes 40 days to harvest. |
| Spacemiser |  | The relatively small bush yields a lot; it takes 45 days to harvest the green fruit, which may be used to make baby squash. |
| Seneca |  | cylindrical fruit on the small bush; 42 days to harvest. |
| Costata Romanesco |  | 52 days to harvest; grey-green with pale green flecks; delicious, nutty-flavored Italian zucchini. |
| French White |  | 50 days to harvest white fruit on little bushes for small gardens. |
Sowing of Seeds of Zucchini Crop:
(c) Method of sowing. A dibbling technique is used to plant the seed at a distance of 60 to 90 cm (plant to plant) and 1.5 to 2.5 meters (row to row).
Zucchini requires about 24 kg of nitrogen, 12 kg of phosphorus, and 12 kg of potassium per acre. A base application of 4 to 6 tons of F.Y.M. is advised, followed by 400 kg of N.P. & K Mixture (5:10:10).
Intercultural Operation in Zucchini:
Two to three shallow cultivations should be given to keep down the weeds during the early stages of growth. Thinning of plants is also done.
Irrigation in the zucchini crop:
Regular moisture is required for zucchini to yield large, trouble-free harvests. Plants require water to survive. Irrigate the zucchini crops with 1 to 2 inches of water when the soil appears dry. In general, offer water once a week while the weather is cool and two or three times a week when it is hot and dry.
Harvesting of Zucchini Crop:
Because zucchini is an annual plant, its lifespan is limited to one growth season, which can last 90 to 150 days depending on the type, growing conditions, and geographic region.
After 40 to 50 days of seeding, the majority of zucchini types are ready for harvesting. It grows rapidly after flowering, so you can harvest it before the zucchini hardens.
Since zucchini is a form of summer squash, its fruit has a soft, edible skin. Summer squash matures swiftly and may be harvested after 35 days. It was one of the first cucurbits to reach the market, and only locations near marketplaces are employed for its growing.
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