How do I know when to harvest zucchini?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Understanding when to harvest zucchini will yield you juicy, delicious veggies instead of bland, watery ones. Zucchini grows fast, sometimes doubling in size overnight in peak growing season. You have to check your plants every day to catch the fruits at their best, between 6-8 inch fruit before they turn into monsters that they bitter.
Size and Variety
- Standard varieties like Black Beauty: Harvest at 6-8 inches long
- Round types like Eight Ball: Harvest at 3-4 inches diameter
- Golden zucchini: Bright yellow indicates peak ripeness
Visual and Textural Signs
- Glossy skin shows freshness dull means overripe
- Firm texture without soft spots or wrinkles
- Vibrant color consistent across the entire fruit
Pick zucchini in the early morning when plants are taking up water and temperatures are moderate. Using sterile, sharp shears, make cuts 1-2 inches above the fruit. Do not twist vegetables off the vine - it damages the plant and invites disease.
To store unwashed zucchini, place it in perforated bags in the warmest part of your refrigerator. If temperatures drop below 50°F, chilling injury occurs within two days, resulting in skin pitting and mushy fruit and vegetables. Check stored zucchini daily for soft spots.
Reducing the time to collect boosts continued production. During the summer, I harvest zucchini each morning. This gives me an extra 2-3 weeks of season, and I get 30-40 fruits per plant. If I miss harvesting, they will stop producing more vegetables.
Read the full article: When to Harvest Zucchini: Ultimate Guide
