Courgettes are considered low-calorie vegetables with health-promoting properties. Due to the high market demand and high adaptability to weather and agronomic conditions, it is now produced on a mass scale.
The cost of Courgettes farming is among the lowest. With a small piece of land of ten meters squared a farmer can be guaranteed of good harvest within a month and a half with good management.
Soil and weather requirements
Courgettes require good fertile loam soils with good drainage. Soil can be supplemented with farm yard manure to improve fertility.
Though they are adaptable to most weather, Courgettes tend to do best in cool and wet areas with a high growth rate in hot and wet weather.
The best Courgettes/zucchini variety to plant
Star 8023 is the best Courgettes as it produces glossy, dark green zucchini with tasty cylindrical fruit. On a sowing depth of 2cm, star 8023 takes 5-10 days to germinate with a maturity of 60-90days. Read Also: The best cabbage varieties
How to plant Courgettes
Dig holes with a spacing of 60cm by 60cm. add manure and cover it with a little soil and sow the seeds.
On the 10th day, top-dress with DAP or Yara power fertilizer. In dry seasons ensure you water regularly. After one month top-dress with Yara winner or nitrobor to help in flowering and fruit formation.
Pest control
Melon fly, white flies and Diamond black moth DBM are the common pests. Melon flies destroys fruits while white flies and DMN destroy the leaves.
Spraying a combination of match or escort insecticides with dynamec insecticides and Integra sticker early and often can help control and prevent the damages.
Disease control
Downy and Powderly mildew are common fungal diseases. Downy mildew starts as small light brown to yellow parches.
Small black dotted spots can be seen under the leaves. Whitish Powderly like on the top and under the leaves signifies a powdery mildew attack.
Spraying with Luna sensation fungicide from the third week of germination will help prevent and control both downy and Powderly mildew.
Frequent asked questions FAQ
Q1. How long does Courgettes take to mature? Ans. 60-90 days depending on variety and management.
Q2. Which Courgettes seeds are best in Kenya? Ans. Star 8023 Hybrid.
Q3. What month is best for Courgettes farming? Ans. Any moth is good for Courgettes as long as you have water and an irrigation system for dry seasons.
Q4. How long does Courgettes keep producing? Ans. 2-3 months depending on variety and management.
