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Zucchini is becoming increasingly popular in India because of its versatility and health benefits. It is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable that thrives in India’s warm climate, making it ideal for home gardens and local farms.
Video Credit: EY - Gardening
Though it is relatively new to Indian cuisine, zucchini has quickly gained a foothold in kitchens across the country. Its mild flavour and tender texture make it adaptable to a wide variety of dishes, from traditional curries to fusion recipes. Zucchini is most commonly used in health-conscious diets due to its rich content of vitamins A, C, and fibre.
In Indian cooking, zucchini can be used in a number of creative ways. It blends seamlessly into stir-fries, sabzis, and stews, offering a light and refreshing contrast to the rich spices commonly used. Zucchini can also be grated into pakoras or added to parathas and sandwiches. Its mild flavour makes it perfect for adding to soups and dals, while grilled or roasted zucchini adds a nutritious side to any meal.
With its rising popularity, zucchini has found a place not only in modern, health-focused dishes but also in traditional meals, making it a favourite ingredient for both home cooks and chefs in India. Here are some tips to keep in mind when growing zucchini in your kitchen garden.
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Climate and Soil Conditions
Zucchini plants require a warm climate to grow and flourish. India’s climate, with its hot summers and moderate monsoons, is quite ideal for zucchini. The plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, making the early summer months the best time to start growing. Zucchini needs well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amending it with compost or organic manure will help.
Planting Zucchini
Zucchini can be grown both from seeds and seedlings. If you are starting from seeds, they can be directly sown into the soil once the weather has warmed up. In regions with cooler climates, you can start seeds indoors and transplant the seedlings into the garden after 4-6 weeks. The seeds should be planted about 2-3 cm deep in the soil and spaced 60-90 cm apart, as zucchini plants need ample space to spread their vines and grow their fruits.
Make sure that the planting area receives plenty of sunlight, as zucchini plants need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight helps the plants produce more flowers and fruits. If you’re planting zucchini in containers, make sure the pot is at least 12-18 inches deep and wide, with good drainage.
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Caring For The Zucchini Plant
Zucchini plants need regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. It’s crucial to water the base of the plant and avoid wetting the leaves, as excess moisture on the leaves can lead to fungal diseases.
Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture and regulate the temperature, especially in India’s hot climate. Organic mulch such as straw, leaves, or compost will also help suppress weed growth.
Zucchini plants are heavy feeders, so they benefit from regular feeding with compost or well-balanced fertilisers. Applying a layer of compost at the beginning of the growing season and adding a balanced fertiliser every 3-4 weeks will help sustain healthy growth and abundant fruiting.
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Pollination and Fruit Development
Zucchini plants produce both male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers typically appear first, followed by the female flowers, which develop the fruit. Insects like bees are the primary pollinators for zucchini flowers. To encourage pollination, avoid using harsh chemical pesticides that may deter beneficial pollinators. If you notice poor fruit development due to lack of pollination, you can hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from the male flower to the female flower using a soft brush or cotton swab.
Once pollinated, zucchini fruits will grow quickly, and they are best harvested when they reach about 15-20 cm in length. Smaller zucchinis are more tender and flavourful, while larger ones tend to become more fibrous and seedy. Regular harvesting will encourage the plant to produce more fruits throughout the growing season.
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Harvesting and Storage
Zucchini can be harvested within 50-60 days of planting. When harvesting, use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a small stem attached. Harvest regularly to keep the plant producing new fruits.
Zucchini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, zucchini can be sliced and frozen, or even pickled. In India, zucchini is increasingly being incorporated into various cuisines, from curries and stir-fries to salads and snacks.
