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When and how to plant zucchini seedlings: consider important factors
22.01.2024 04:10
Updated: 15.02.2024 20:20
Usually gardeners sow zucchini directly into the ground.
But sometimes there are situations when fruits need to be obtained earlier than the standard dates and then the growing method changes to seedlings.
When to sow zucchini for seedlings
Since zucchini grows very quickly, there is no need to rush to plant them. The seedlings need only 25 days to reach the optimal level of development for transplantation, says Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .
It is important to take into account that by the time they “move”, the average air temperature outside during the day should already be no lower than 20 degrees, and the soil should be warmed up to 11-13 degrees.
Experts recommend sowing zucchini seedlings about a month before the real warm weather, the onset of which can be calculated based on the characteristics of the local climate.
How to sow zucchini for seedlings
Unlike other crops, squash seeds do not require preliminary soaking. They sprout perfectly well without this stage.
Before you start sowing, you need to prepare:
1. Find suitable containers: pots or glasses with a capacity of 200 ml. necessarily with drainage holes. Large, common containers for zucchini should not be used, as young sprouts do not tolerate picking very well.
2. Buy soil: the most common one is suitable for this crop - universal for vegetables and seedlings. It does not require any special preparation or improvement procedures.
The process of sowing zucchini is very simple:
- the cups need to be filled with soil, leaving 1.5 cm from the top;
- use a pencil or stick to squeeze out small holes 1 cm deep in the center;
- place one seed in each hole and carefully sprinkle with soil;
- sprinkle the soil generously with clean water, trying not to wash away the soil;
- cover the containers with cling film.
The resulting mini-greenhouses should be placed in a warm place and not touched until the sprouts appear (about a week). After the sprouts hatch, the film should be removed, and the seedlings should be placed on a light windowsill protected from drafts.
Usually, by this stage, a fairly long daylight period has already been established. But if the lighting is insufficient, the plants can be placed under a phytolamp, but for no more than 12 hours a day.
Earlier we told you how to get a seedling from any tree.
