The right vessel
While a larger gap in the bed is sufficient for growing zucchini in the garden, the balcony zucchini needs a sufficiently large container. So that the plant can spread well, it should be a bucket with at least 15 l capacity. A good size is a tub about 40 cm in diameter. Flower boxes are unsuitable, (13.18 € at Amazon *) they offer neither space nor support for the plant.
also read
- Grow zucchini in the right location
- Storage and preservation of zucchini
- Zucchini - an undemanding vegetable for the garden
The larger the tub, the more productive the plant. You have to keep in mind, however, that the watering water makes the bucket quite heavy. If you cannot assess how stable your balcony is, you better choose a smaller bucket.
A drain hole in the floor is necessary to avoid waterlogging. If you cover it with potsherds or stones, the irrigation water can run off without washing out the earth.
A sunny place
On the balcony, the zucchini needs a location that is in the sun for at least a few hours. Ideally this is the south-facing balcony.
Earth, fertilizing, watering
You use nutrient-rich soil to fill the planter. You can also mix in compost. Horn shavings (€ 6.39 at Amazon *) and liquid fertilizers are also suitable for supplying nutrients.
Zucchini plants need a lot of water. Regular watering is especially important during the flowering period and in midsummer.
Suitable zucchini varieties for the balcony
- Black Forrest F1 with 10 - 25 cm long, green fruits, space-saving, climbing plant, tendrils can be guided upwards on a climbing aid
- Patiostar F1: compact plant with dark green fruits
- Summer Ball F1 with golden yellow round fruits
- Mini zucchini piccolo F1, green striped fruits
You can grow zucchini plants yourself from seeds without much effort or buy them at the garden market.
Fruits and flowers
Once the zucchini has been planted out, it will take about 6 - 8 weeks before you can harvest the first fruits. The young fruits taste best and with an early harvest you increase the further yield. Until then, the edible, white or yellow flowers will decorate your balcony.
Tips & Tricks
Instead of a flower tub, you can also grow your zucchini in a disused painter's tub or water bucket. It is important that the vessel is cleaned well before use.
