Zucchini has become one of the most popular plants to grow in gardens. No matter your gardening skill level, it is a great plant to grow, as it often grows in abundance and is relatively easy to care for. For those wanting to utilize small spaces, there are climbing zucchini varieties that are great for growing on a fence or trellis.
Though zucchini may not be traditionally grown as a climbing plant, there are some varieties that are great for it. It may take some practice and experience to grow zucchini as a climbing plant, but it can be very successful when done right. It is a great way to grow them if you are limited on space in your garden.
Climbing Zucchini Varieties
Most types of zucchini plants require a lot of room to grow in gardens. This is due to the fact that they have tall spreading stems and overly large leaves, that often tend to take up a lot of garden space. Though this is normally fine if you have a large garden, for those with small gardens, this can be problematic.
For those who live in apartments or houses with small yards, there isn’t always enough room to grow zucchini, especially if you are wanting to grow other plants as well. Fortunately, there are some varieties of zucchini plants that do great as climbing plants.
By growing your zucchini plant on a fence or trellis, you can help save space in your garden. This space can then be used to grow other fruits and vegetables. The zucchini plant will grow up the trellis or fence, using it as a support system as it grows.
Many varieties of climbing zucchini display good tolerance against diseases. By planting your climbing zucchini seeds at the base of the support system you are using and tying them up the system as they grow, you will make them into climbing plants with no problem.
Though not every variety of zucchini is a good choice for growing as a climbing plant, there are some that work well for it. These varieties are particularly good to grow in small spaces. The best varieties to grow on a fence or trellis include Zucchino Rampicante, Black Forest, Raven, or Graybeard.
Zucchino Rampicante
Zucchino Rampicante also known as Zucchetta Tromboncino is a unique variety of squash that is considered both summer and winter. It has a unique, long slender form that makes it ideal for growing on vines, trellises, and fences.
The bulbous ends contain the seeds, while the necks are smooth, long, and slender. It is left on its own, they are capable of growing up to four feet long and have large, attractive leaves with silvery veins. The fruit is light green while the flesh is sweet and tender, making it great for grilling.
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While it is still young, the Zucchino Rampicante will have bright green skin that is striated. You can harvest it while it is still young as summer squash. The skin will be soft and the flesh will be sweet and slightly nutty.
You can also let it still grow until its skin becomes beige and tough. At this point, you can harvest it as winter squash. It is similar to butternut squash and you can store it for much longer compared to when you harvest it as summer squash.
Black Forest
Black Forest zucchini is great for growing in small spaces as it is wonderful for growing as a climbing plant. It has the ability to grow up to an incredible seven feet tall, so it will need good support when growing. The fruit is dark green with a long, slender cylinder shape and grows to be about six to nine inches long.
The Black Forest variety tends to have a very mild taste, making it a great option to use while baking. It is particularly popular to grow on patios in a large pot with trellis due to its ability to grow upward and since it doesn’t bush out at the base. In fact, it often tends to better in containers with very rich, well-drained
Raven
Raven zucchini is dark green with smooth, glossy skin. It is particularly tender fleshed and has a lovely flavor that is great for baking and cooking. It holds its quality, particularly while when it is large. Due to their ability to adapt easily, they can grow on trellis or fences.
The Raven variety is great for steaming, grilling, and baking. It is a hardy variety that will not get tough or woody with age. They can be picked as babies with the blossoms on or at larger sizes.
Greybeard
Greybeard zucchini has a light green/gray speckled color. They are compact and very productive, making them great for harvesting. They are a hybrid variety that is great for growing in gardens or on fences or trellis.
Greybeard zucchini has a pleasant mild taste which makes it great for both baking and cooking. It generally tends to be less watery than most types of zucchini.
FAQs
Can zucchini be grown vertically?
There are a number of ways to do this. You could grow a couple of plants in pots, then transplant them into the garden when they are ready. Or you could use a large container and plant the seedlings directly into it. You can also grow them in the ground, but you need a large space for them to grow.
Does zucchini need a cage or trellis?
Zucchini plants like to grow in a trellis. A good trellis can be made of wood, bamboo, etc. They are a large plant so they will need something to climb on; otherwise they just end up with their stems on the ground.
Is zucchini a climbing vine?
No, not really. But it can climb a trellis or a post and grow into a long, bushy plant that provides lots of squashy vegetables.
It’s easy and can be enjoyed right away. Zucchini is in the squash family, along with yellow crookneck, pattypan, and summer squash. It’s easy to grow, but a bit finicky about soil conditions. You’ll need well-drained soil with plenty of compost. The plants are heavy feeders. The soil should have a pH between 2.5 and 3. If it’s too acidic, the plants will produce lots of fruit but very little leaves; if it’s too alkaline, the plants will produce lots of leaves but not much fruit. Keep your soil moist but not wet. Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry. Zucchini grows quickly and can be harvested as soon as the first flowers appear. But wait until the flowers have turned into fruits to pick the fruit. Zucchini plants don’t ripen their fruit all at once; it takes a couple of weeks after the fruit is formed to let the seeds develop enough to mature into squash. The fruit should be harvested while still green and firm. You can cut the stem at any time, but the plant will continue to produce fruit for several weeks. If you grow zucchini in containers, give them plenty of room.
Can you use tomato cages for zucchini?
Yes, it's pretty easy. You can put the tomatoes up a tomato cage (they're in 2'x2' boxes) and then put the zucchini up in a tomato cage as well. The only thing you have to be careful of is that the zucchini don't get too close to the tomatoes. If they are very crowded together, they will both grow into each other. But, that doesn't happen very often because you can't put too many zucchini in a single box. You might also want to look into growing your tomatoes up a trellis. This will keep them off the ground and give them some air circulation.
Growing Your Own Climbing Zucchini
Zucchini is a great plant to grow as it is easy to maintain, grows in abundance, and is versatile in many different dishes, both sweet and savory. Gardners anywhere from beginner to advance enjoy growing them as they are tasty and healthy. However, it oftentimes takes up a lot of space in the garden which can be problematic if you are limited on space.
Fortunately, there are some varieties of zucchini that do particularly great as a climbing plant. This makes them ideal for growing if you live in an apartment or have a yard with only limited space. Once you get the hang of it, it can be relatively easy to grow them up a fence or trellis.
Do you have any questions regarding climbing zucchini varieties? If so, please ask any questions regarding zucchinis and growing climbing plants in the comment section down below.
Anna is an avid gardener who loves the outdoors and spending time in nature. She has been gardening since she was a child and has a passion for growing her own food and flowers. She enjoys experimenting with different types of plants and techniques to create beautiful and bountiful gardens. She is always trying to learn more about gardening and is an active member of her local gardening club. She loves to share her knowledge and experience with others and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Anna believes that gardening is a great way to bring people together and foster a sense of community.
