When To Plant Zucchini In Florida

If you’re wondering when to plant zucchini in Florida, timing is everything for a great harvest. The Sunshine State’s unique climate offers two perfect windows each year to get these prolific plants in the ground.

Planting at the right time avoids our brutal summer heat and prevents common pest problems. Let’s break down the optimal schedule so you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh zucchini from your own garden.

For most of Florida, you have two primary planting seasons: late winter to early spring, and again in late summer to early fall. The goal is to have your zucchini growing during warm, but not scorching, weather.

Zucchini is a warm-season crop that hates frost and struggles in extreme heat. It needs soil temperatures above 60°F to germinate well and air temperatures between 65°F and 75°F for best growth.

Spring Planting Dates

This is the most popular planting time for Florida gardeners. You’ll want to get your seeds or transplants into the ground after the last frost date for your area.

North Florida: Plant from late February through mid-April.
Central Florida: Plant from early February through March and into early April.
South Florida: You can plant from January through March, as frost is rarely a concern.

Spring planting takes advantage of rising temperatures and usually results in a strong yeild before summer pests become overwhelming.

Fall Planting Dates

Fall is an excellent second chance for zucchini, especially if your spring crop was attacked by squash vine borers. The trick is to plant late enough that summer heat subsides, but early enough that the plant matures before cooler winter temps.

North Florida: Plant from mid-August through early September.
Central Florida: Plant from early August through September.
South Florida: Plant from August through October, and sometimes even later.

Fall crops often face less pest pressure and can produce beautifully into the mild winter months in southern regions.

Why You Should Avoid Summer Planting

Planting zucchini in the peak Florida summer (June, July) is generally not recommended. The intense heat and humidity cause several problems.

Blossom drop: Flowers fall off without producing fruit.
Poor pollination: Heat keeps pollinators away and can affect pollen viability.
Increased pest and disease pressure: Squash bugs, vine borers, and powdery mildew thrive.
Plant stress: High heat can cause wilting and reduced overall growth.

Understanding Florida’s Climate Zones

Florida is divided into USDA hardiness zones 8a through 11a. This range significantly impacts your planting calendar. A quick guide can help you pinpoint your zone.

Zone 8a-9a (North Florida): Colder winters, later spring planting, earlier fall frosts.
Zone 9b-10a (Central Florida): Mild winters, longer growing seasons.
Zone 10b-11a (South Florida & Keys): Frost-free, allowing for nearly year-round gardening with heat-tolerant varieties.

Always check your specific county’s extension office for the most localized advice. They provide invaluable guidance for your micro-climate.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you’ve got your dates set, follow these steps for success.

1. Choose the Right Variety

Select varieties known for heat-tolerance and disease resistance, which is crucial for Florida.

‘Black Beauty’: A reliable, classic dark green zucchini.
‘Cocozelle’: An Italian heirloom with striped fruit, handles heat well.
‘Dunja’: A hybrid with excellent powdery mildew resistance.
‘Eight Ball’: A fun, round variety good for containers.

2. Prepare Your Planting Site

Zucchini needs full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.

Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
Raised beds are ideal for ensuring good drainage, especially in rainy seasons.
Ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal nutrient uptake.

3. Planting Seeds or Transplants

You can direct-sow seeds or start with transplants from a nursery. Direct sowing is often easier as zucchini roots are sensitive to disturbance.

For seeds: Plant 2-3 seeds in hills or rows, about 1 inch deep. Space hills 3-4 feet apart.
Once seedlings emerge, thin to the strongest one per hill.
For transplants: Handle the root ball gently and plant at the same depth it was in the container.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil.

4. Watering and Fertilizing

Consistent moisture is key, especially during flowering and fruiting. Inconsistent watering leads to blossom end rot.

Water deeply at the base of the plant, providing 1-2 inches per week.
A soaker hose or drip irrigation is best to keep leaves dry and prevent disease.
Use a balanced vegetable fertilizer at planting. Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants begin to vine.

Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can lead to huge leaves but few fruits.

Common Pests and Problems in Florida

Being proactive is your best defense against the usual suspects in the Florida zucchini patch.

Squash Vine Borers

This is the number one enemy. The adult moth lays eggs at the base of stems, and the larvae bore inside, killing the plant.

Prevention: Wrap the lower stem with aluminum foil or use floating row covers early in the season.
Check stems regularly for sawdust-like frass. If found, you can carefully slit the stem and remove the borer.

Squash Bugs and Cucumber Beetles

These pests suck sap from leaves, causing wilting and spreading disease.

Hand-pick adults and egg clusters (coppery-red eggs) from the undersides of leaves daily.
Plant trap crops like blue hubbard squash nearby to lure them away from your zucchini.

Powdery Mildew

A white, powdery fungus on leaves that’s common in Florida’s humidity.

Choose resistant varieties.
Ensure good air circulation by not overcrowding plants.
Apply a fungicide labeled for edible plants, like neem oil or a potassium bicarbonate solution, at first sign.

Harvesting Your Zucchini

Harvest regularly to encourage more production. The best size for flavor and tenderness is when fruits are 6 to 8 inches long.

Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the fruit from the stem; don’t pull or twist.
Check plants every day or two during peak season, as zucchini can grow from small to oversized surprisingly fast.
Even if you miss one and it becomes a giant, it’s still usable for baking zucchini bread.

FAQ: Planting Zucchini in Florida

Can I grow zucchini in Florida year-round?

In South Florida, you can grow it for much of the year, but peak summer heat will still likely reduce production and increase pest issues. In North and Central Florida, sticking to the spring and fall windows is best.

What month is best for planting zucchini?

For spring, February and March are ideal for most of the state. For fall, late August and September are your target months.

How long does zucchini take to grow?

From seed, most zucchini varieties begin producing harvestable fruit in about 45 to 55 days. Transplants will give you a head start of a week or two.

Can zucchini grow in partial shade?

It needs full sun for maximum production. In partial shade, growth will be slower, yields will be lower, and the plant will be more susceptible to disease due to damp foliage.

Why are my zucchini flowers falling off?

First, identify if it’s a male flower (thin stem) or female flower (small fruit at base). Male flowers naturally fall off after blooming. If female flowers are dropping, it’s often due to poor pollination or extreme heat stress. You can try hand-pollinating with a small brush.

What should I plant next to zucchini?

Good companions include nasturtiums (to repel pests), radishes (deters beetles), and beans. Avoid planting potatoes nearby, as they can compete for nutrients.

By following this Florida-specific timing and care guide, you’ll set your zucchini up for success. Remember, the right planting date is the first and most important step toward a bountiful harvest. With a little attention to watering and pest patrol, you’ll likely have more zucchini than you know what to do with—a good problem for any gardener to have.