Problems Growing Zucchini In Containers

Some people don’t have enough space to grow their favorite vegetables. In that case, they should not lose their heart because they can easily grow plants in containers.

Zucchini is included in those vegetables that can easily grow in containers on your patio or balcony. Although it takes up a lot of space, with proper planning and following gardening tips you will succeed in achieving your aim.

When your zucchini plants get propers and light and well-drained potting mix then they will produce healthy fruit for you.

After the last frost date, you can plant zucchini seeds directly in your desired pot. It is better to choose dwarf and compact varieties of zucchini plants such as Eight Ball, Gold Rush, and Cue Ball.

These varieties are perfect for growing in a small container. You can plant 2 to 3 seeds in each container. After filling the pot with a high-quality potting mix make three holes in the soil.

Make sure there must be a distance of 15 cm between each hole. The depth of the hole must be 2.5cm. After putting the seeds in the holes, fill them with soil and water the seeds to start their germination process.

After 2 weeks you will see the seeds will sprout and seedlings start coming out from the soil. Now remove the weak seedling and keep the strong one.

THE PERFECT SIZE OF CONTAINERS

You should not compromise on the size of the container you are using for growing zucchini. The ideal diameter of the container you are using must be 24 inches or 61cm.

The depth of the container must be 12 inches or 31 I’m. If you use the perfect size of container then your plant will get proper space to flourish and thrive well.

The second thing you should consider before using the container is that it must have drainage holes at the bottom. If the container doesn’t have holes then you can use a drill to make holes.

Drainage is very important for growing healthy zucchini because plants don’t like wet feet and it causes root rot and many fungal diseases.

Common Zucchini Problems With Solution

Despite all the attention, your zucchini plant runs into problems. Some problems are usually out of control and you can’t handle them easily.

If you identify them on time then you can handle them and get a good crop. Following are the common problems zucchini plants face when you grow them in a pot or container.

1- SEEDLINGS FAIL TO SPROUT

The first problem you face when growing zucchini in a container is your seeds fail to sprout. After 2 weeks of sowing the seeds and you are not seeing any sign of seedlings.

Then you must think about reasons for not sprouting the seeds: poor soil, too much or too little water, and cold weather. If the seeds are planted too deep this is also a reason that your seeds are not sprouting.

SOLUTION

You have to plant the seed not more than an inch.
Never fill your container with garden soil because it is too compacted and does not have all the essential nutrients that are needed by zucchini plants. You should buy high-quality potting mix from any gardening store or local nursery that contains peat moss, vermiculite, and other nutrients.
Sow your seeds after the danger of the frost, the suitable temperature for sprouting the seed is above 60° Fahrenheit. If you want to start your growing season earlier then you can prepare your seedlings indoors and transplant them outdoors into the perfect size of container.
Keep the soil moist but avoid over-watering. You should water when you see the soil is completely dry.

2- SEEDLINGS FAIL TO THRIVE

The second problem you face after the germination of seeds is that young seedlings are not driving well. After some time discoloration starts. The reason for this problem is a fungus named Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium species.

SOLUTION

You should always keep your tools, container, and hand clean. If you are using old containers for growing zucchini plants then you must wash them before filling.
You should always buy sterile potting soil to stop spreading the fungus.
Keep an eye on the seedlings if you see tiny bugs then use yellow sticky traps to capture them.

3- ZUCCHINI PLANTS ARE NOT SETTING FRUIT

There are many reasons that your zucchini plants are not forming fruit. If you are not providing them a suitable environment then how can they produce according to your desire?

Inadequate nutrition and poor watering is also major cause of stress in the zucchini plant. If you are not picking the fruit on time and leave them on the plant for a long time then plants start dropping immature fruits.

SOLUTION

If you want to improve the production of the fruit then you have to focus on the pollination process. Pollinating insects such as bees help in pollination.

For this, you can grow suitable companion plants around zucchini so they can attract pollinators for them.

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4- FRUITS START ROTTING OR FAILS TO MATURE

Sometimes it happens that your zucchini plant produces fruit but the fruit will not mature or start rotting.

In such a situation you have to check the frequency of water and fertility of the soil. Lack of nutrients and water is the only reason that your plant is not producing fruit. Low calcium or low pH can also be the reason.

SOLUTION

To fulfill the deficiency of calcium you can add eggshells to the soil. You must apply fertilizer on time to avoid any deficiency. Water your plants on time and never leave the plant thirsty.

5- LEAVES CURL OR BECOME DEFORMED

If the leaves of zucchini plants start curling or become deformed. The reason behind this change is ants and aphids. Aphids suck the leaves and stem and cause deformity.

SOLUTION

The simple and easy way to get rid of this problem is by a strong spray of water with the help of a hose.
After that, you can make a solution of dish soap and water. Take one part of dish soap and 10 parts of water and mix them well. You can use this spray once a day for two weeks.
If your zucchini plants are still facing the problem then you can apply a spray of neem oil every 2 to 3 days for 2 weeks. Insecticidal soap is also an option.

6- LEAVES OR FRUITS ARE MOTTLED OR DISTORTED

If the leaves of the zucchini plant are distorted or unusually small. They also have serrated edges. The fruit produced will also be stunted and deformed.

It means your plant is affected by the zucchini yellow mosaic virus. Sometimes this virus spreads from seeds so you must buy high-quality seeds from a reputable seller. Infected tools are also a reason for spreading so you must sanitize them before using them.

SOLUTION

There is no solution for the mosaic virus. There is only one way, you have to pull out the plant from the container and destroy it. Never use this infected zucchini plant for your compost.
Always wash your tools such as rakes, clippers, and shovels, and try to plant zucchini plants for next year.
If you are living in a warm climate and this disease affects your zucchini plant early in the season then you can try once again.

7- ZUCCHINI PLANTS ARE WILTING

If a zucchini plant is wilting, it means it is not receiving water on time. Overwatering is also the cause of damaging your plant.

SOLUTION

You should make a timetable for watering to prevent your plant from wilting. Regularly examine the soil of the container if it feels dry then it is the right time of watering your plant. The simple and easy way of checking the soil is with the help of your finger.
If your plant is receiving too much water then it will encourage the spread of bacteria and different diseases and as a result your plant wilts.

8- NOT ENOUGH SUN

Zucchini plants produce fruit so it needs full sun exposure. If your plants are not receiving proper sunlight then it can affect health and production.

As you are growing your zucchini plants in containers and you are facing the problem of limited area. You should choose a funny location for your container or pot.

A patio is a perfect place. Lake of Sunlight results in long and lanky plants. You will not get required because pollinators also prefer sunny areas.

9- PESTS

Different pests are also a big problem for your zucchini plants.

Aphids and white flies suck the juice of the leaves of zucchini plants.
If your plant produces healthy fruit but suddenly starts wilting then you should carefully examine whether there must be squash vine borer. These insects slowly kill the plant.
Flea beetles like to eat zucchini so they can reduce the production of fruit. For controlling this pest you should grow radishes or nasturtiums around the zucchini plant.
Cucumber beetles not only eat fruit but also spread disease in the zucchini plant; they make holes in the leaves and vines and create dark spots on fruits.
Thin and small insects are squash bugs. This insect creates yellow spots and holes. They lay eggs under the leaves. You must grow tansy and nasturtiums around the zucchini plant to repair these bugs.

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10- DISEASES

A disease named Alternaria leaf blight causes yellow-brown spots on the old leaves. This disease is spread from old leaves to new leaves. The leaves start curling and eventually die if you don’t treat them well. To prevent your zucchini plant from this disease you should never water the plant from the top. Always water the plant on the roots. If you find any affected leave then discard it.
Septoria leaf spot is caused by a fungus. Low temperature, humid environments encourage the growth of this fungus. Cut the affected leaves from the plant so they will not spread.
Bacterial leaf spots create yellow spots on the leaves. It is better to buy a disease-resistant variety of zucchini plants to fight this problem. You can also use a fungicide.
Humid environments encourage the disease of downy mildew. The leaves of the zucchini plant are destroyed by this disease. Avoid watering on the top of the leaves. You can also use organic fungicides for this problem. But sometimes the disease has taken over the entire zucchini plant. In that situation, you should pull the whole plant from the container and discard it.

THE PERFECT SIZE OF CONTAINERS

Common Zucchini Problems With Solution

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