How to Grow Zucchini in Containers for a Prolific, Delicious Harvest

It just isn't summer without zucchini in the garden. However, these delicious vegetables can take up a lot of valuable real estate—unless you grow them in containers.

Growing zucchini in containers does require a unique approach, however, from planting and repotting all the way to harvesting. Here, we asked experts about the best ways to grow and care for zucchini in pots and containers. Follow their advice, and you'll have a prolific (but not overwhelming) harvest in no time.

Varieties to Grow 

Generally speaking, you can grow any variety of zucchini in a container, but some are better suited to this type of habitat than others. Smaller, more compact varieties are usually good candidates for container growth. Here are a few you can try:

• Fordhook is a prolific variety that was an All-America Selections winner.
• Astia is a compact variety that's perfect for growing in a container.
• Bush Baby is a flavorful, striped variety that's beautiful and delicious.

How and When to Plant 

You can start your zucchini plants from seed, or you can buy young plants from a garden center. If you start them from seed, then you can plant them indoors two to four weeks before your last frost date. If you start them in a container that will be kept outdoors, then wait until after your last frost date.

"I always direct-sow zucchini seeds, meaning I plant them directly into the container where they’ll eventually be harvested from," says gardening instructor Meg Austin. By doing this, you avoid subjecting young zucchini plants to transplant shock.

When planting, sow seeds about 1 inch deep. The number of seeds you plant will depend on the size of your container, but for an average-sized pot, you could start with three or four seeds spaced a few inches apart. Later, depending on germination, you can thin the seedlings to one plant per pot. 

Care Instructions

The basics of zucchini care are essentially the same regardless of whether you're growing them in a pot or in the ground. However, there are a few important tips and tricks to keep top-of-mind.

Sun

Zucchini loves sunshine, so you'll want to place your container in a location that maximizes its exposure. "Zucchini needs full sun, at least 8 hours a day," adds Austin. 

Water

Don't underestimate the importance of water when growing zucchini.

"These plants love water and nutrients," says garden coach Jennifer Holston. "Water every morning without wetting the leaves. Consistent water and fertilizer keep zucchinis healthy. Without it, these plants are susceptible to molds, mildews, and disease." 

Also, bear in mind that a zucchini plant in a container is more susceptible to drying out than a zucchini plant in the ground.

"Containers dry out way faster than garden beds, especially in the heat," says Austin. "I water deeply every day during hot spells and even twice a day if it’s really scorching. Just aim to keep the soil evenly moist—zucchini don’t like to dry out or sit in soggy soil." 

Soil

The soil itself is an important component to the success of your zucchini plant. "It needs loose, well-drained soil," says Austin. "I like to mix compost or aged manure in with my potting mix to give it a good boost early on."

Fertilizer

Regular fertilizing can help keep your zucchini plant producing throughout the summer.

"They’re heavy feeders," says Austin, "So plan on applying a natural fertilizer regularly throughout the growing season." Holston recommends using an organic liquid fertilizer once a week for optimal results.

Pot Size and Repotting 

The size of your container can have a big impact on the growth of your plant, so you don't want to start too small. "Even compact squash plants grow large," says Holston. "I recommend at least a five-gallon planter filled with rich soil."

In addition, a zucchini plant has an extensive root system that won’t grow well if it’s too crowded. "Find a big pot!" says Austin. It's better to start out with a large container than to try to repot your plant later on in the growing season. "I wouldn’t recommend repotting mid-season—it stresses out the plant," she adds.

Pruning 

Pruning a zucchini plant can be a smart idea when you're growing it in a container.

"Zucchini leaves need air circulation to help prevent molds and mildews from forming," says Holston. She recommends removing older, damaged leaves. "Prune out close-growing clusters and crisscrossing leaves, sacrificing the ones closest to the bottom of the stem," she says.

 Pests

Unfortunately, zucchini plants are susceptible to some pests. Holston recommends watching out for two in particular.

Squash Vine Borers

"Beware the clear-wing moth who lays eggs on the stems of squash," says Holston. "Squash vine borers consider the juicy, tender zucchini stems a delicacy. Its larvae burrow through stems and eat the plant from the inside, making this plant killer very hard to eradicate."

For this pest, Holston says prevention works best. "Growing zucchini in containers with new soil prevents overwintering larvae from invading."

Additionally, she says, placing row covers over containers can prevent the orange-bodied moths from laying eggs.

Squash Bugs

"These shield-shaped sap suckers pierce zucchini leaves and dine on plant juices, causing leaf and plant collapse," says Holston. "Their toxic saliva causes further damage and sometimes passes Cucurbit Yellow Vine Disease Bacterium, ensuring plant death."

She recommends using row covers for prevention and removing egg clusters. "These bugs enjoy spending afternoons congregating under cover, so check under leaves or set traps."