Ao Daimaru Zucchini

10 Seeds

Ao Daimaru is a traditional Japanese summer squash (zucchini) variety that produces round to slightly flattened dark green fruits with tender flesh and a delicate, sweet flavor. It is excellent for stir-frying, grilling, steaming, stuffing, soups, and tempura. In the Gulf region, it grows best during the cool season.

Best Planting Time

• September to November (recommended)
• A second planting is possible from January to February in cooler Gulf areas.
• Avoid planting during late spring and summer due to excessive heat.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Optional: Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 4–6 hours before sowing to speed up germination.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.

Soil Preparation

Zucchini grows best in fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Sandy loam soil
• 30% Well-rotted compost or manure
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–7.0

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds directly into the garden or large containers.
• Plant 2–3 seeds per hole, 2–3 cm deep.
• Thin to the strongest seedling after germination.
• If starting indoors, transplant carefully to avoid root disturbance.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 22–30°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 18–30°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Provide light afternoon shade when temperatures exceed 35°C.

Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist during germination.
• Water deeply when the top 3–5 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Avoid waterlogging and overhead watering.
• Consistent moisture produces tender, high-quality fruits.

Germination Time

• 5–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 60–90 cm between plants.
• 100–120 cm between rows.

Harvest

• Harvest approximately 45–55 days after sowing.
• Pick fruits when they are 8–12 cm in diameter while still young and tender.
• Harvest every 2–3 days for continuous production.

Fertilization

• Incorporate compost before planting.
• Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced vegetable fertilizer.
• Increase potassium during flowering and fruit development.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leaf growth instead of fruit.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow only during the cooler months.
• Apply mulch to keep roots cool and reduce moisture loss.
• Water early in the morning.
• Bees are essential for pollination; hand-pollinate if pollinator activity is low.
• Monitor for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, squash vine borers (where present), powdery mildew, and downy mildew.
• Harvest fruits while young for the best texture and flavor.