Does Zucchini Have Seeds? – Zucchini Seeds 101

Zucchini is one of the most delicious and versatile squashes out there. Once you try it, you will want more. You will want to grow it yourself asking questions such as; Does zucchini have seeds?, How do I propagate my zucchini?, How long will it take before I can enjoy my zucchini squash after planting? 

Let us discuss this topic in detail.

Zucchini

Zucchini, also referred to as courgette or baby marrow is a summer squash that is usually harvested while it is still immature, while its seeds and skin are still soft. They come in different colors such as the regular green, and the more unusual golden yellow and orange varieties. All of these are equally delicious if you ask me.

Zucchini squashes can get up to about three feet in length. They are however harvested when they are about 6-10 inches long.

Originally from America, these squashes are now grown worldwide and are used in many different dishes.

Does Zucchini Have Seeds?

Zucchini is propagated by seeds that are collected from larger squashes. Because zucchini for eating are harvested when they are still small and immature, the seeds appear very small and may seem insignificant.

But if you want to grow more from your own crop, you will need to let some of your zucchini squash mature and then collect the seeds for the next growing season. You will then plant these in the soil to grow another crop, and keep this cycle going.

Types of zucchini

There are three different main types of zucchini;

• The black beauty – is the most common type of zucchini squash that is found in most grocery stores and most commonly grown, that is the long green one,
• The gourmet gold – is similar in taste, shape, and texture to the black beauty, except it has a golden yellow color, and finally
• The globe zucchini – This one has a different overall appearance from the other two. It has a globe shape and grow up to eight inches in width. This ball shapes zucchini squash is usually prepared by stuffing it, and then cooking it with the stuffing. Simply scoop the seeds out and stuff them with whatever you may like. The seeds are also perfectly edible if you would like to eat them as well.

What Do Zucchini Seeds Look Like?

Zucchini seeds are small, usually yellow in color and have a flat appearance. They look very similar to pumpkin and the seeds of other squashes. You should therefore carefully label them if you have seeds of other squashes as well because they may get mixed up and it will be difficult for you to tell them apart.

Harvesting Zucchini Seeds – Step By Step

Knowing how to harvest zucchini seeds is important if you are going to keep and grow them. Here is how you do it.

Step 1: Cut the zucchini open

Because the skin of a mature zucchini squash may be hard, you will need a sharp knife to cut it open, and cut through it to open it up.

Step 2: Scoop the seeds out

Use a spoon to scoop the seeds out and separate them from the stringy flesh that surrounds them.

Step 3: Ferment the seeds

Put your seeds in a clean container, and put a bit of water to keep them moist. Close the container tightly and let the seeds sit in there for a few days. This process will help to clean them.

Step 4: Clean the seeds

After the fermentation process has completed, take your seeds out and rinse them so clean them. The flat, empty seeds will float to the top. These ones are not viable for planting, only keep the heavy ones that settle at the bottom. These are the ones that you will keep for planting.

Step 5: Dry the seeds

After cleaning, dry the seeds by spreading them in a single layer and placing them in a sunny spot to dry. You may need to turn them every now and then to make sure that they dry evenly. If there are any wet spots, your seeds might get moldy.

Step 6: Store the seeds

After the seeds have dried, carefully store the seeds in a container or envelope and label them so you do not lose them. Store them in a cool dry place until you need to use them.

How To Save Squash Seeds To Plant Next Year?

To save your squash seeds to plant for the next year, follow the step by step above to harvest, clean, and store them in a place where they will not be exposed to moisture which may rot them, or where they will not get pests attacking them. This will help save your squash until you can plant them the next growing season.

How to Start Zucchini Seeds

To start your zucchini seeds before planting, soak them in water at least 24 hours before planting. Soaking them in water will rehydrate them, which will help to speed up the germination process.

The next day, plant your seeds in your prepared soil and water them. If you take good care of your seeds they will sprout into new zucchini seedlings that will grow and grow squashes that you will enjoy.

Conclusion – Does zucchini have seeds?

As you will have gathered from this article, yes zucchini squash have seeds that are used in propagating this lovely and nutritious vegetable. If you are unsure at first, of whether you will be able to identify the seeds, you can purchase seedlings to plant at first, and from your first harvest, you will start keeping your own seed by following the steps carefully outlined above to do so.

You will definitely not regret growing your own zucchini when you start enjoying the fruits of your labor. You can enjoy this healthy vegetable and can even share it with your pet dogs if you have any.

Happy gardening!

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