Zucchini is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in Oregon. However, they are highly affected by frost and cold. So, the best time to plant them is two weeks after the last frost date, usually around 22nd May. Let’s look in more detail at when to plant zucchini in Oregon.
Sometimes, it may come a week or earlier or later before this estimated date. Also, do not plant them during spring because they will not survive.
On the other hand, if you plant too late, they won’t give you much produce and are likely to be affected by the first frost date in the fall.
The best soil type for zucchini to grow must be fertile and well-drained. It is an added advantage of the soil’s pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The minimum temperature for these vegetables is 60 F, ranging from 70 to 95 F.
It’s also wise to look out for pests when growing zucchini and consider planting other vegetables and flowers in the same patch as companion plants.
Types of Zucchini to grow in Oregon
Black Beauty
The black beauty zucchini produces dark green fruits with a fleshy white interior. It flourishes during the warm weather and especially summer. However, you must water them regularly.
This type of zucchini is productive and should be harvested when young. They have a mild flavor with small seeds and a firm texture, perfect for freezing. You can use it to make soups, salads, and baked goodies.
Yellow Crookneck
The yellow crookneck zucchini is a bushy plant. It is aesthetically appealing and easy to take care of. Like other zucchini plants, yellow crookneck loves the heat and will do well in summer.
The best time to harvest these fruits is when they still have soft skins because they have a rich flavor. Besides, harvesting allows you to plant to produce more.
The inner flesh is firm and can be used with roasted, fried, and steamed foods.
Grey Zucchini
The green zucchini, also known as calabacita or harukan is common in Latin and Mexican diets. The best thing is that they grow in different parts of the world. It is a heavy zucchini producer and should harvest when the fruits are about six inches. They have a mild flavor and firm flesh.
You can use this zucchini in baked, fried, or roasted foods.
Pattypan squash
Pattypan squash thrives in the warm temperature of Oregon. The best time to harvest is when the fruits are between two and three inches. They yield plenty of fruits and usually have fleshy and tender skin.
Their nutty and buttery flavor is the best for most summer meals, such as outdoor barbeque grills. They make great ingredients for stuffed, steamed, stir-fried, and baked foods.
Summer Green Tiger
The summer green tiger takes about 60 days mature. It produces cylindrical and glossy green fruits. It has dark green stripes and is one of the tasty zucchinis you can grow in your garden.
It should be harvested at 20 cm long for excellent texture and quality. Apart from being productive, this type of zucchini is compact with bushy vines that thrive in small spaces.
Gold Egg
The gold egg zucchini takes 45 days to mature. They thrive during summer and the best if you are looking for quick maturing zucchini. The fruits are yellow and look like gorgeous elongated eggs.
Their flavorful flesh can be used in frying, roasting, and frying recipes. They are ready for harvest at eight weeks and usually about 10cm when fully mature.
Bush Baby
The bushy baby is ready for harvest after 55 days. The fruits have small length compared to most types of zucchini. The best size to harvest is from two inches to inches.
The fruits have glossy forest green and light green stripes on the exterior. They make a perfect ingredient in grilled foods. You can grow them in an open garden or in containers.
The shape of zucchini fruits varies depending on the type you choose to plant and grow in Oregon. They include bulbous, egg-shaped, round, and long thin ones. You can also consider the harvest size estimated for a particular variety.
While most zucchini fruits have a bland taste, there are few with outstanding flavors. You can find nutty and buttery-flavored zucchini. Some become mushy when cooked, and others remain crunchy, making them ideal for salads and vegetable sautes.
When to plant zucchini in Oregon: Conclusion
Above all, choose what to plant in Oregon depending on the size of fruits you expect. So choose varieties likely to produce the size you are looking for. They vary in size from 2cm up to 20 cm.
However, nothing should stop you from growing zucchini in Oregon. Just ensure your plants do not face frost because the extreme cold will kill your plants.
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