The procedure for cultivating gourds: If you fail to start this process, you'll have to wait for the yield - a long wait for dairy farmers.
Growing Zucchinis in Russia: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to sow your young zucchinis in early summer? May is the perfect time! Here's a guide to help you get started, regardless of where you live in Russia.
The key is to ensure the soil is warm, ideally between 12°C and 14°C. Success in this undertaking depends on three factors: quality seeds, the right variety, and an appropriate location.
Where to Plant- Southern Russia (e.g., Krasnodar) - Start seeds outdoors in mid-April when soil reaches 15–18°C. Opt for long-season varieties like 'Black Beauty' or 'Maraîchère'.- Central Russia (e.g., Moscow) - Sow indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost (typically mid-May), and transplant after soil warms to 12°C. Cold-tolerant hybrids like 'Gribovsky' work well.- Northern Russia (e.g., Siberia) - Consider using greenhouses or cold frames, and plant short-season varieties such as 'Isolde F1' which matures in 45–50 days.
Preparing for Planting
Seeds: Choose the largest and densest ones. Disinfect them with permanganate or "Phitosporin", and soak in a growth stimulator like "Epin" or "Circum".
Bed: Find a sunny spot with loose, fertile soil. Onions, peas, and green manure make great predecessors. Avoid planting zucchinis near pumpkins, cucumbers, and pattypans, as they are relatives and can cause issues.
Best Varieties- Early harvest: Iskander F1, Tsukesha (mature in 40-45 days)- Small plots: Aeronaut, Belogor F1 - compact, don't sprawl- Culinary experiments: Zolotinka (yellow), Negritenok (dark), spaghetti squash- Resistant to diseases: hybrids with F1 designation
Planting Options
Option 1 - Direct Sowing: Simple, but takes longer to harvestOption 2 - Through Seedlings: Prepare 3-4 weeks ahead, harvest 2-3 weeks earlier
Planting Scheme:- Between plants - 70 cm- For vine varieties - up to 1 meter
After planting, mulch using wood chips, grass, or straw. If it's cold, cover with agrovolochnik.
Caring for your Zucchinis
- Watering: Use warm water and water only under the root. Loosen the soil after each rain.
- Fertilizing: Apply ash, superphosphate, and minimal nitrogen.
- Ventilation: Don't overcrowd plants, and remove old leaves.
Pest Protection
- Slugs: Use beer traps or "Groz" preparation.
- Aphids: Create a soap solution or use "Fitoverm".
Avoid planting zucchinis in the same spot for two consecutive years, as this increases the risk of diseases.[Russian source]
[1]: Temperatures and planting times can fluctuate in different regions, so be sure to consider local weather patterns.[2]: Not all seed providers carry these varieties, so research thoroughly and choose a reputable seed supplier.[3]: For lunar phase guidance in warmer regions, late May planting aligns with fruit-growth lunar periods for optimal results.[4]: In bucket gardening, ensure soil temperature stays above 16°C and provides full sun. Don't forget to adapt to your local microclimate.
- In Southern Russia, start sowing zucchini seeds outdoors in mid-April, once the soil has reached 15–18°C, and choose long-season varieties like 'Black Beauty' or 'Maraîchère'.
- For Central Russia, sow the seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost (typically mid-May), then transplant them after the soil warms to 12°C, and use cold-tolerant hybrids like 'Gribovsky'.
- In Northern Russia, consider growing zucchinis using greenhouses or cold frames, and plant short-season varieties such as 'Isolde F1' which matures in 45–50 days.
- When preparing for planting, select large and dense seeds, disinfect them with permanganate or "Phitosporin", and soak them in a growth stimulator like "Epin" or "Circum".
