A review of the best zucchini varieties for both indoor and outdoor cultivation

There are many different varieties of zucchini. Each variety differs not only in ripening time but also in shape, size, skin color, and flavor. Some varieties are often grown for ornamental purposes. This article discusses early, bush varieties, as well as those suitable for outdoor planting.

Early ripening varieties

There are several varieties that ripen quickly. These include the varieties listed below.

Tsukesha

An early-ripening variety, preferred by many gardeners. It is successfully grown throughout almost all of Russia. Its popularity stems from its frost resistance and undemanding soil conditions. Its main advantage is its high yield. Fruits are harvested right up until the first frost.

The fruit grows to no more than 40 cm in length. The skin is green, turning yellowish or orange when fully ripe. The shape is elongated and cylindrical, and the flesh is juicy and has a distinct flavor. The plants are compact, and each bush yields up to 10 kg of ripe fruit.

Baby

An early-ripening variety prized by gardeners for its high yields. This bushy plant produces cylindrical, smooth-surfaced fruits in 38-47 days.

This creamy-white-skinned, white-fleshed vegetable grows up to 20 cm in length and weighs 0.6-1 kg. It's best grown in well-lit areas in warm regions, as it's susceptible to frost. 9-10 kg of ripe fruit are harvested per square meter.

Orange

An early-ripening variety with an exotic appearance. Ripe fruits can be harvested in as little as 40 days. The bush is compact, bearing bright, round fruits no more than 15 cm in diameter. The flesh is sweet.

This variety is especially popular with those who prefer a raw food diet. The vegetable actually resembles an orange.

Starling

The fruits of this early-ripening variety are harvested 45-50 days after sowing. The fruits are cylindrical and have dark green skin, covered with small white specks. The vegetables grow to a maximum length of 25 cm, weighing between 0.5 and 1 kg. The zucchini is slightly ribbed to the touch. The flesh is white or light yellow, firm, and soft.

Advantages include high productivity, cold and drought resistance, and transportability. Gardeners harvest 8-10 kg of ripe zucchini per square meter.

Chaklun

This is a prolific plant. The Chaklun zucchini variety is harvested 41 days after germination. At this point, the vegetables weigh 500 g. Overripe zucchini are identified by their elongated, pear-shaped form, with small ribs appearing on the smooth skin. This zucchini is resistant to many diseases.

This early-ripening variety has creamy, juicy, and slightly sweet flesh. These zucchini are suitable for pickling and making zucchini caviar. After planting, watering, fertilizing, and loosening the soil are essential.

Beluga whale

An early-ripening variety developed by breeders from Altai. The compact plant doesn't take up much space. The zucchini ripens 40 days after sowing. It's resistant to inclement weather, powdery mildew, and bacterial wilt, making it especially prized by gardeners.

Zucchini have an elongated cylindrical shape and smooth, light green skin. The surface of the zucchini is covered with a mottled, striped pattern. A single zucchini can weigh between 0.5 and 1.2 kg. Seeds are sown in April and May. Plant care involves cultivating the row spacing, fertilizing, watering, and weeding as needed. Up to 3 kg of ripe fruit can be harvested per square meter.

Aliya F1

A hybrid that has gained popularity among many gardeners. The bush is vigorous and highly resistant to bacterial diseases and rot. The foliage can withstand small hail. The first fruits begin to appear 49 days after germination. The flesh is juicy and tender.

The seeds are sown in May. The zucchini are cylindrical, reaching 25-30 cm in length. The fruit has a smooth, unribbed, light-green skin. Each zucchini weighs 0.7-1 kg. Aliya zucchini is grown outdoors. Zucchini grows best in areas previously occupied by tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and root vegetables. Timely watering, loosening the soil, regular weeding, and fertilizing with mineral fertilizers will ensure optimal growth and abundant fruiting.

Salvador

An early hybrid zucchini. It is used for various cooking methods, canning, and freezing for the winter. The fruits not only have excellent taste but also a good marketable appearance, which is especially important when growing vegetables for commercial use. These zucchinis are highly resistant to powdery mildew. The skin of these Dutch zucchini is thin and dark green. These smooth-surfaced cylindrical vegetables weigh 400-900 g and reach 18-20 cm in length.

The fruits are grown both outdoors and indoors. The harvest is ready in 45-55 days. Maintenance includes regular watering, loosening, hilling, and fertilizing. 40,000-60,000 kilograms of yield are harvested per hectare.

Ball

The main characteristic of the Myachik variety is its spherical zucchini with green skin and light spots on the surface. In appearance, this zucchini can be mistaken for a small ball—its unique appearance is especially prized by gardeners.

The flesh is juicy. The zucchini ripens in 50-55 days. The plant is small, with dissected leaves.

Karam

An early-ripening variety with an appealing appearance and excellent taste. The fruits ripen 41-45 days after planting. This crop requires warmth, light, and moisture. It thrives in soils previously grown with cabbage, potatoes, onions, and legumes. The fruits have whitish or light green skin, a cylindrical shape, and a smooth surface. Each zucchini weighs 700 g.

The seeds are sown in May. The variety is grown outdoors or indoors. The plants require regular watering, fertilizing, and loosening of the soil. When ripe, up to 11 kg of fruit can be harvested per square meter.

Moor

An early-ripening variety, ripening 40-45 days after the first shoots emerge. The fruits are uniform, long, cylindrical, with a smooth or slightly ribbed surface. The skin is thin and greenish-black. The flesh is light beige and firm. The fruits weigh up to 1 kg. Young ovaries are often added to salads instead of cucumbers.

Sow seeds in mid-April for seedlings or in the ground at the end of May. Zucchini harvested before frost can be stored indoors until early to mid-summer. 15-20 kg of zucchini can be harvested per square meter.

Zucchini for the Urals

To achieve high zucchini yields in the Urals, it is recommended to use a wide variety of varieties and hybrids.

Pear-shaped

The fruits have pale orange-cream skin. Their pear-shaped form and lightly ribbed surface are particularly eye-catching. Each fruit weighs up to 1-2 kg. The flesh is bright orange and tender.

These are very heat-loving plants, growing well only at temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius. The fruits ripen 80-90 days after the first shoots emerge.

Mountain

An annual crop developed by Russian breeders. The plant has dark green, deeply dissected leaves. The fruits fully ripen 45 days after germination.

The zucchini is cylindrical, has a milky skin, firm, white flesh, and a rich flavor. Each zucchini weighs approximately 1 kg. The harvested zucchini is suitable for making zucchini caviar and canning.

Zebra

The Zebra squash has an interesting coloring, making it a favorite among gardeners. The skin is dark green with lighter stripes.

This early-ripening variety boasts excellent flavor, increased resistance to low temperatures, and various diseases. Fruits up to 7 cm in length are suitable for canning.

High-yielding squash varieties

High-yielding zucchini varieties are preferred by many gardeners who grow the fruit for their own needs and to make a good profit from selling it.

Belogor F1

The bushes are compact. They produce juicy fruits, fully ripening 50 days after germination. The zucchini have white skin, and their average weight ranges from 500 g to 1 kg. Fruiting lasts approximately 90 days. The hybrid is resistant to gray mold. It can be affected by anthracnose, powdery mildew, and bacterial blight.

Gardeners harvest up to 14 kg of ripe zucchini per square meter.

Kuand

A unique variety prized by gardeners. The color of the fruit is its main advantage. The skin is light green with indistinct lines of a darker shade. This zucchini's coloring is often described as "camouflage." The crop is resistant to inclement weather and numerous diseases. Fruiting lasts up to two months. During this period, gardeners can harvest up to 9 kg per square meter. A mature vegetable weighs 1-1.5 kg.

Caring for zucchini involves traditional agricultural practices. Initially, it's important to protect the zucchini from weeds.

Nephritis

An early hybrid that begins bearing fruit 53 days after germination. This bush variety offers excellent marketability and flavor. The zucchini's skin is dark green and smooth. There are no ribs. The vegetable is cylindrical. The flesh is light creamy, thick, and fibrous. A single zucchini can weigh from 700 g to 1.5 kg.

Sowing takes place in May. It's best to plant in soil previously planted with potatoes, cabbage, or onions. The plants require watering, loosening, and fertilizing. 12-14 kg of ripe fruit are harvested per square meter.

Mini zucchini

When growing this variety, the first harvest is 90 days after the first shoots emerge. Mature zucchini weigh up to 400 g. The fruiting period lasts for three months. During this period, you can harvest approximately 5 kg per square meter.

The fruits are smooth, cylindrical, and have light green skin. The crop requires moist soil and occasional fertilization.

Walnut

An early variety, ripening 90 days after germination. It tolerates hot weather well and is resistant to rot during rainy summers. Mature zucchini weighs between 3 and 5 kg.

One plant can produce up to 8 kg of zucchini. Seeds are sown in warm soil in a sunny area of ​​the garden.

Self-pollinating varieties

These varieties of zucchini help to obtain a stable harvest regardless of the weather, the presence of insects, and other factors.

Kavili F1

This hybrid is the result of Dutch selection. The fruits ripen 40-45 days after the first shoots appear. The plant is suitable for growing both outdoors and indoors. Its compact size allows for four plants per square meter. The zucchini can be harvested until late autumn.

Cylindrical zucchini with light green skin and white flesh with a greenish tint. Each vegetable is 22 cm long and weighs 320 g. The flesh is juicy and tender. Up to 9 kg of zucchini can be harvested per square meter.

Parthenon F1

This hybrid was developed by Dutch breeders. Because the plants are self-pollinating, gardeners can harvest up to 15 kg of zucchini per square meter. The plants are compact and not very vigorous. The harvest begins 40-45 days after germination.

The advantage of this hybrid is its long fruiting period, lasting until September. The fruits have dark green skin. They are cylindrical in shape and smooth and even in texture. They grow to be 20-25 cm long and weigh up to 300 g.

Suha F1

An early-ripening hybrid, the harvest begins 30-40 days after germination. Suitable for both open-air and indoor cultivation, the zucchini is cylindrical in shape, with light green skin and light spots on the surface. The zucchini reaches 18 cm in length and weighs up to 700 g.

Planting material is sown in May. The crop requires regular watering, weeding, and fertilizing. The fruit peel contains a high concentration of dry matter, so the zucchini remains juicy in the fall. The flesh is delicious. Up to 13 kg of zucchini can be harvested from one square meter.

Medusa F1

A super-early hybrid, ripening in just 35 days after the first shoots emerge. The compact plant is suitable for growing outdoors or in greenhouses. The bush is self-pollinating. The zucchini is club-shaped, with a smooth, thin, tender, light green skin. The flesh is dense, sweet, and green. The vegetable reaches 25-30 cm in length and weighs up to 800 g.

Ripe zucchini can be stored for a long time, right up until the next season. Up to 9 kg of harvest can be harvested from 1 square meter.

Sangrum F1

An early-ripening, self-pollinating hybrid, ripening 38-40 days after the first shoots emerge. Cultivated both indoors and outdoors, the tall bush is predominantly compact. Planting is carried out in May.

Zucchini are cylindrical in shape, with a light green skin. The flesh is green, firm, and tender. The average weight of a zucchini reaches 350 g. It keeps well for a long time after harvest. It requires good watering and fertilizing.

Varieties for planting in open ground

Many zucchini varieties tend to spread long vines, requiring large plots. Meanwhile, modern gardeners are often limited to a small area where they want to plant several different crops at once.

Black beauty

An early-ripening variety characterized by firm, non-bitter flesh. The squash itself reaches approximately 20 cm in length. The skin is dark green. The average fruit weight is 600-900 g. The growing season lasts 50-55 days. The fruit is cylindrical and slightly ribbed. It has excellent flavor.

This variety has increased resistance to powdery mildew, but requires specific care. It requires regular watering, hilling, and loosening of the soil.

Spaghetti

A unique variety that has recently gained popularity. Young zucchini have the same flavor as more familiar varieties. However, once fully ripe, the flesh begins to separate into strands, reminiscent of a distinctive spaghetti squash, which has many fans. Ripe zucchini resemble small melons in shape and skin color. They reach 30 cm in length and weigh 0.7-1.2 kg. The skin is thick.

The only drawback of this variety is its late ripening period—95-130 days from germination to full ripeness. It is grown from seeds, or less commonly, from seedlings.

Lagenaria Calabaza

An early-ripening variety. The green fruits, terminal leaves, and shoots are eaten. The skin is white, sometimes light green, smooth, and cylindrical. It reaches 1-1.2 meters in length and weighs up to 12 kilograms. When ripe, the fruits curve, taking on an unusual shape.

Sow outdoors in April. Care includes tying growing shoots to a trellis, watering, regular fertilizing, and loosening the soil. The fruits ripen 80-100 days after germination. A single plant yields up to 40 kg of fruit.

Odessa-52

An early-ripening variety developed by Ukrainian breeders in the mid-20th century, it takes just 40 days from the first shoots to the appearance of ripe fruit.

These zucchinis are characterized by an oblong shape, a milky or greenish skin with fine speckles, and flesh with a pinkish or yellowish tint. This variety is productive and highly resistant to frost and disease.

Yellow varieties

There are some surprising varieties of zucchini with yellowish skin, which particularly attracts the attention of gardeners. These varieties are virtually indistinguishable from white zucchini or vegetables with other skin tones.

Pineapple

An early-ripening variety. The plant has a compact, bushy habit. Fruiting begins 40-45 days after germination and continues abundantly for a long time. The last fruits are harvested before the first frost. They are delicious and contain a full range of vitamins.

The zucchini's skin is golden with a yellow tint and cylindrical in shape. The flesh is juicy and retains its firmness for a long time. This variety is popular for canning and as a side dish.

Goldfinch

To this day, Zolotinka is considered one of the best varieties, and even many foreign hybrids are no better. The name speaks for itself: the fruit's skin is yellow, and the plant is bushy. The fruits are elongated. The flesh is juicy, crisp, and the flavor is excellent.

40 days after emergence, the fruits ripen, weighing up to 500 g and about 15 cm long. Up to 15 zucchini can be harvested from one bush.

Gold Rush F1

A well-known zucchini hybrid, reaching up to 32 cm in length and weighing up to 200 g. The flesh is tasty, tender, juicy, and sweet. This is a representative of Dutch selection.

The plant is vigorous, bushy, and highly productive. Seeds are sown in May. It is suitable for outdoor cultivation. Up to 12 kg of ripe fruit can be harvested per square meter.

Goldline F1

An early-ripening hybrid developed by Czech breeders. The fruits ripen 40 days after germination. The skin is golden-green, the flesh is juicy and sweet. These zucchinis are also eaten fresh.

The cylindrical vegetable grows up to 30 cm in length and 4-6 cm in diameter. Seeds are sown outdoors in late May. Up to 6 kg of fruit can be harvested per square meter.

Sunlight F1

A hybrid developed by French breeders. The zucchini is small, 18 cm long, weighing no more than 200 g. The skin is smooth, golden-yellow, and cylindrical. The seeds are sown outdoors in May. The harvest takes 40-45 days after germination.

The bushes are small and compact. Up to 12 kg of ripe zucchini can be harvested from 1 square meter.

Yellow-fruited

An early-ripening variety. The plants are bush-shaped. The fruits have bright yellow skin, are cylindrical, and taper slightly toward the stalk. Each vegetable weighs 0.7-1.4 kg. The flesh is tasty and juicy. The squash grows up to 20 cm in length.

This variety can be planted from both seeds and seedlings. The harvest is in August-September. One square meter yields 5 to 12 kg of ripe fruit.

Bush varieties

There are so many bush zucchini varieties that it's difficult to list them all. Below are the varieties considered the most popular among gardeners. Demand for these zucchini is driven by their flavor and high yield.

Iskander F1

The plant is unbranched and grows as a large, spreading bush. This unique Dutch hybrid boasts high yields and increased resistance to numerous diseases. This early-ripening zucchini ripens 40-45 days after germination.

Zucchini are club- or cylindrical in shape, narrow, with a smooth surface and slight ribbing. The skin is light green with white speckles. Zucchini grow up to 20 cm in length and weigh 550-700 g. A single plant yields up to 17 kg of fruit. The flesh is tender, tasty, and pale green or light cream in color.

Aeronaut

An early-ripening bush variety, ripening 45-50 days after the first shoots emerge. It has gained popularity among gardeners due to the long shelf life of the harvested fruit. It has excellent flavor and is rich in nutrients.

The fruits are elongated, elliptical, and smooth. The skin is thin and green. The flesh is white, juicy, and contains seeds. Each fruit grows up to 16 cm long. The fruits are versatile and are consumed in various forms throughout the season. The plant itself is compact and suitable for both open-field and greenhouse cultivation.

Gribovsky

Gribovsky squash grows in a wide variety of soils. Fruiting begins 55-60 days after the first shoots emerge. Harvesting can take up to six weeks after the first fruits are picked.

A compact, highly branched bush, with flowers and then fruit attached near the base. The squash is cylindrical. The skin is thick, firm, and yellowish. The flesh is juicy, dense, and seeded. This variety boasts excellent flavor and contains numerous minerals and vitamins.

White

An early-ripening and high-yielding variety, ripening 40 days after the first shoots emerge. When ripe, the squash reaches approximately 1 kg in weight.

The skin is white, the flesh is white with a yellowish tint, and juicy. This variety is especially popular for cooking and canning.

Waterfall

An early-ripening squash hybrid with a unique flavor and attractive appearance. The fruits are cylindrical, smooth-surfaced, and have green skin. The flesh is firm and white. Each squash weighs 400-500 g. It takes only 42 days from germination to ripening.

Sowing is done in April and May. Waterfall zucchini prefers light soils, where potatoes, onions, cabbage, and legumes have been previously grown. Care involves cultivating the row spacing, weeding, watering, and fertilizing as needed. Watering is especially recommended during flowering and fruiting. 7-9 kg of zucchini are harvested per square meter.

Soft-skinned zucchini varieties

Gardeners rarely need to store zucchini for long periods of time, so they choose varieties with soft skins. These zucchini are used immediately for cooking.

White Bush

This is an early-ripening variety bred in Holland. Fruits appear 5-6 weeks after germination. Gardeners note the vegetables' excellent marketability: they have a smooth surface, a regular cylindrical shape, and light green skin.

The flesh is creamy white, soft, and juicy. This variety boasts increased resistance to various diseases.

Genovese

A variety developed by Italian breeders. This early-ripening variety produces fruit 35-60 days after germination. The small fruits retain their tender flesh and skin for a long time. Each zucchini weighs between 0.9-1.7 kg.

This variety is suitable for both open-field and greenhouse cultivation. It is characterized by increased resistance to diseases found in humid climates, such as bacterial blight and powdery mildew.

Climbing varieties

You can find not only bush varieties but also climbing ones. They produce edible fruit, and the vines are great for decorating the grounds around the house.

The Amazing Giant

An ultra-early variety. It's well-deservedly named, as its fruits truly reach enormous sizes, up to 1 meter. The plant twines with long vines. The fruits are heavy, weighing between 6 and 10 kg.

This variety is very resilient and tolerates cold and damp conditions well. It is prized for its excellent shelf life—the fruits can be stored for one and a half to two years.

Ascent

A zucchini variety developed by Italian breeders. A climbing plant with 3-5 meter-long vines. Mature fruits are slightly curved, with a bulb-shaped thickening at the end. The skin is creamy yellow. The flesh is aromatic, juicy, and slightly crunchy.

The advantages of this variety are high yield, preservation of appearance during transportation, and long shelf life.

Varieties for growing in Siberia

There are zucchini varieties bred specifically for Siberia that are resistant to harsh climatic conditions. Below are the best of them.

Video clip

An early-ripening variety that is undemanding of soil conditions. It prefers soils previously planted with onions, potatoes, cabbage, and legumes. Its elongated zucchini can grow in any soil. The vegetables have greenish skin and white flesh.

The fruits ripen 35 days after germination. Subsequently, the yield increases significantly. The harvest is ready before the first frost. The advantages of this variety include excellent shelf life and resistance to mechanical damage.

Anchor

This squash variety is grown everywhere except in the far north. The bush is small. The fruits ripen 45 days after germination.

The fruits are elongated and elliptical. The skin is pale, and the flesh is white and firm. This variety tolerates long-distance transport well and has a long shelf life. Zucchini is best grown outdoors.

Lagenaria long-fruited

This is an early maturing variety of zucchini; the fruits can be harvested 45-55 days after the first shoots appear.

Zucchini with thin, brittle, pale green skin. The elongated, cylindrical shape has a lightly ribbed surface. Each zucchini weighs between 900 g and 1.7 kg. Recommended for planting outdoors. Requires regular watering, fertilizing, loosening the soil, and hilling.

Pharaoh

An early-ripening variety. Plants grow as bushes or twine, forming 1-2 vines no more than 50 cm long. The zucchini are cylindrical in shape and have dark green, finely speckled skin. Each zucchini weighs up to 1 kg. The flesh is soft and juicy. The fruits are harvested 39-43 days after the first shoots emerge. 6-9 kg are harvested per square meter, and under temporary plastic shelters, the yield increases to 15 kg.

This variety has increased resistance to fruit rot and is relatively cold-hardy. Large, ripe zucchini can be stored in a cool place until March.

Important gentleman

A relatively new variety, introduced relatively recently, it has already gained popularity among Siberian gardeners. Its fruits ripen early—45-60 days from sowing to full maturity.

The surface is ribbed. The skin is dark green, and the flesh is creamy. The fruits are juicy and tender. Each root weighs between 600 g and 1.3 kg.

White-fruited

An early-ripening variety. The plants have a bush-like habit. Fruit appears 36-44 days after germination.

The fruits are cylindrical, slightly ribbed at the base, and delicious. The skin is whitish-green, turning white or yellow as the seeds ripen. Each fruit weighs 0.7-1 kg. Approximately 7-10 kg of yield is obtained per square meter. A disadvantage of this variety is its lack of resistance to fruit rot.

Motley

An early-ripening Siberian zucchini variety. The plants are compact. Full ripening takes 45-55 days. The zucchini has a thin skin with fine speckles on the light green surface. The inside is white, moderately juicy, but not overly sweet.

Ripe zucchini can last until spring if stored properly. This variety requires little care. It ripens well with minimal watering but prefers moist soil. Up to 7 kg of ripe zucchini can be harvested per square meter.

Women's happiness

An early-ripening variety adapted to the harsh Siberian climate. Characterized by high tolerance to subzero temperatures and diseases, it bears fruit 45-60 days after sowing.

Varieties with excellent shelf life

There are several varieties of zucchini that store well after harvest and retain their flavor and nutritional properties. These include the varieties described below.

Aral F1

An early-ripening hybrid characterized by high yields. The plant grows compactly. The zucchini is elongated and oval, with pale green skin and a dense network of white veins. The flesh is white and firm. The first harvest is 30 days after germination.

Almost disease-free. Zucchini is suitable for processing for winter preserves.

F1 Festival

A hybrid commonly used for ornamental purposes, adorning summer cottages and country houses. The round fruits resemble ornamental pumpkins. Each zucchini weighs up to 600 g.

The skin has an interesting coloring, with alternating black, yellow, green, and white stripes. The flavor is quite good. They are suitable for stuffing, pickling, and baking.

The Golden Key

An early-ripening and cold-hardy variety, the zucchini is cylindrical and grows up to 18 cm in length. After harvesting in the fall, the vegetables store well until February, maintaining their flavor and marketability.

5-6 ripe fruits are collected from one bush at once.

Little black boy

An early-ripening variety that begins bearing fruit 40 days after germination. The bushes are compact. The fruits are cylindrical and elongated. Each fruit weighs up to 1 kg.

The skin is smooth, black-green with small white spots. The skin is dense and medium-thick, ensuring long-term storage. The flesh is green and juicy. The seeds are sown in late May to early June after spring frosts. The fruits are uniform, with an attractive cylindrical shape. The presentation is the variety's main advantage. The skin is light green. The flesh is white and moderately juicy.

Today, there are a multitude of varieties of tender, juicy zucchini with an excellent flavor. They all vary in appearance, boasting impressive sizes and skin colors. Proper cultivation will ensure a high yield, regardless of the variety chosen.

Frequently Asked Questions