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FRUITING VEGETABLE

Zucchini

Cucurbita pepo

Zucchini, called courgette in UK guidance, is a summer squash. Most courgettes form large bushy plants, while summer squash as a group also includes vining forms. [1][2]

Plant
Zucchini
Category
Fruiting vegetable
Spacing
See contextual guidance

SOURCE-BACKED GUIDANCE

Plant spacing

Plan for the spread of zucchini and summer squash, distinguishing bush plants from vining relatives.

Bush courgettes or zucchini

Plant spacing
At least 90 cm (3 ft)

RHS guidance for large, vigorous plants; allow roughly one square metre per plant. [2]

Vining summer squash in rows

Plant spacing
8–12 in after thinning
Row spacing
Allow 2–3 ft on either side of the row

University of Minnesota guidance for vining summer squash, included to distinguish it from bush zucchini. [1]

Growing-method context

Direct sowing avoids transplant root disturbance; where plants are started under cover, handle roots carefully when planting out. [1][2]

Planning notes

Use the bush entry for typical zucchini unless the seed or plant description identifies a trailing or climbing habit. [1][2]

TURN GUIDANCE INTO A LAYOUT

Use the Plant Spacing Calculator

Choose the source entry that matches your plant and growing method, then enter that spacing yourself. The calculator applies only the geometry you provide.

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Sources

  1. University of Minnesota Extension: Growing summer squash and zucchini in home gardensReviewed by Grownestia 2026-09-08
  2. Royal Horticultural Society: How to grow courgettesReviewed by Grownestia 2026-09-08