Rabi and Summer Crop · Cucurbitaceae Family

Zucchini

Zucchini is a fast-growing, warm-season vegetable grown across India in two seasons. It is cultivated primarily for fresh urban and export markets. The crop has a total field duration of 90–120 days with first harvest beginning at 35–55 days after sowing.

  • First harvest: 35–55 days
  • Two seasons: Rabi and Summer
  • Optimal temp: 18–30°C
  • 50–80 qtl per acre

18–30°C

Ideal temp

Well-drained loam or sandy loam, pH 6.0–7.5

Best soil

35–55 days

First harvest

90–120 days

Total duration

50–80 qtl

Yield/acre

Sept–Feb (18–25°C)

Rabi sowing

Feb–June (24–30°C)

Summer sowing

Crop life cycle

Zucchini completes five growth stages from germination to the end of the harvest period. Total crop duration is 90 to 120 days.

  1. Germination

    Day 4–7

  2. Vegetative growth

    Day 15–20

  3. Flowering

    Day 28–35

  4. First harvest

    Day 35–55

  5. Season ends

    Day 90–120

Key characteristics

Basic agronomic and physical characteristics of the Zucchini crop.

Plant type

Bushy, non-climbing

Leaf colour

Dark green, yellow, or striped

Seed colour

15–25 cm

Dual use

Mild, tender when harvested young

Water need

Regular drip; avoid overhead watering

Temperature

18–30°C optimal growth

Popular varieties

Variety selection depends on cropping season, soil type, and target market. Hybrid varieties generally produce higher and more uniform yields. Open pollinated varieties have lower seed cost.

Green Zucchini (Standard)

Open Pollinated

Dark green cylindrical fruits; matures in 40–55 days; widely adapted for general cultivation across India

Yellow Zucchini

Open Pollinated

Bright yellow fruits with mild sweet flavour; matures in 60–70 days; preferred in urban and export markets

Striped Zucchini

Open Pollinated

Green and white striped fruits; matures in 50–60 days; suitable for specialty and gourmet markets

Hybrid Zucchini

Hybrid

High yield, disease resistant, heat tolerant, uniform fruits; suitable for commercial and polyhouse cultivation

Arka Aham

Open Pollinated

Developed by ICAR-IIHR Bengaluru; suitable for warm humid conditions; good yield across seasons

Export-grade selection

Open Pollinated

Uniform fruit sizing for packing lines; align with buyer specifications for urban retail and export

Income potential

Indicative figures for one acre under standard management conditions. Actual returns vary with season, variety, and market access.

50–80 qtl

Yield per acre

Rs. 1.0–2.5L

Gross income/acre

35–55 days

Time to first harvest

Key challenges

Common pests, diseases, and management issues in zucchini cultivation. Early identification and timely management help reduce crop loss.

Powdery mildew

White powdery fungal growth on leaves and stems; spreads rapidly in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Apply sulphur-based fungicide or neem oil at first sign of infection. Use drip irrigation and maintain plant spacing for air circulation.

Downy mildew

Yellow angular spots on upper leaf surface; grey-purple fungal growth on underside; infected leaves wither quickly. Apply neem oil or organic fungicide on minor infections. Remove heavily infected plants at end of season.

Aphids

Clusters on stems and leaf undersides; cause yellowing, curling, and stunted growth. Remove heavily infested stems promptly. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for two to three applications.

Poor fruit set

Fewer fruits despite normal flowering; usually caused by low pollinator activity or extreme temperatures. Hand pollinate early morning using a soft brush. Avoid pesticide application during peak flowering hours.

Waterlogging

Zucchini is sensitive to root zone saturation. Use well-drained raised beds. Prefer drip irrigation over flood irrigation, especially in Rabi season.

Where it grows well in India

Zucchini is grown commercially across a range of agro-climatic zones in India.

  • Maharashtra
  • Karnataka
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • Uttarakhand
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Punjab
  • Haryana
  • Rajasthan
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Telangana

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