Pruning zucchini puts me in mind of the catchy seven beats that tap out “Shave and a haircut…” and then the response, “Two bits!”
The knocking pattern for gags originated in vaudeville, but younger folks may know it from Bugs Bunny cartoons or the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”
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Cutting back an overgrown or sickly zucchini plant takes about as long as those seven notes, and costs even less than “two bits,” which is 25 cents.
Trimming a few leaves or stalks can provide benefits from increased air circulation to more fruits and healthier plants, but only when you prune zucchini at the best time and using the proper technique.
In this guide, I’ll share how to tell if you need to trim your zucchini, and how to complete the chore if it’s necessary. Here’s the lineup:
Trim zucchini: Use a sharp paring knife to remove any remaining blemishes or bruises. Then, trim off the top and bottom of the squash—both the stem end and the base—cutting off about ½ inches on either side. Discard the chopped-off bits.
Reasons You May Need to Prune
For some homegrown fruits and vegetables, like tomatoes and kiwi, pruning is an absolute necessity if you want to enjoy the best yield and the healthiest plants.
With zucchini, though, pruning is typically optional.
The vining varieties can benefit most from a trim of a few leaves, but only if they’re taking up too much space or starting to shade neighboring plants that require full sun.
Most zucchini you’ll commonly see sold as bedding plants or in seed catalogs are bush varieties, not vining.
A few that do trail include ‘Raven,’ ‘Grey Griller,’ and ‘Zucchetta Rampicante-Tromboncino,’ which can all grow to about five feet long or tall.
These types may need trimming to contain their sprawl, but you’ll lose some of the fruits if you do cut them back, so there’s a tradeoff.
There are different reasons to prune bush varieties of zucchini:
They tend to be smaller than the vining varieties, but may require pruning to remove diseased stalks or leaves.
If they’re growing too close together, there’s also a chance you’ll need to trim them a bit so they don’t succumb to plant diseases promoted by poor air circulation or wet leaves.
Also, you may want to clip some of the foliage if they’re getting so big they’re beginning to shade neighboring plants that need full sun to thrive.
When and How to Trim Zucchini Vines
If you do grow trailing types, clip any dead or damaged leaves when you spot them.
Use the same method you would for other foliage, cutting at the top of the stems just below the leaves, using clean clippers or scissors and disposing of the debris pronto.
If a stalk supporting a sickly or infested leaf is also yellow, cut it away, leaving an inch remaining at the base of the plant.
Also, prune the vines if you notice they’re beginning to spread farther than you’d like.
You can prune vining zucchini varieties the same way you would a climbing or trailing winter squash.
Trim off the side shoots, not the main stem, using clean scissors. Keep in mind that these branches produce the squash you’ll harvest to eat, so each cut means fewer fruits.
Also, be sure to leave behind enough foliage to shade the developing squash.
You may want to invest in a manual hand pruner to use for this task, like the Felco F-2 pruners, a favorite among gardeners.
If you have other vegetable vines and perennial flowers that will need pruning, these are excellent to have on hand. But clean scissors are ample for this occasional summer gardening chore.
Pruning Zucchinis – Garden Quickie Episode 155
FAQ
Should I trim zucchini plants?
What is the difference between pruning and trimming a zucchini plant?
There are subtle differences between pruning and trimming your zucchini plant. You trim to cut back overgrown plants and maintain an attractive appearance. Pruning is focused on making precise cuts to promote growth, remove old or diseased parts, and improve the plant’s health.
What is the best way to cook zucchini?
One of the healthiest and tastiest ways to cook zucchini is in the oven. They cook more slowly, allowing the spices to penetrate the slices better and making the zucchini more flavorful.
How do you trim zucchini before slicing?
Use a clean kitchen towel to dry the veggie fully. Trim zucchini: Use a sharp paring knife to remove any remaining blemishes or bruises. Then, trim off the top and bottom of the squash—both the stem end and the base—cutting off about ½ inches on either side. Discard the chopped-off bits. Do You Peel Zucchini Before Slicing?
Can You trim a zucchini plant without cutting too much foliage?
You can trim your zucchini plant leaves without cutting too much foliage. In order to grow normally, the plant needs all the leaves next to and above the oldest forming fruit. If you trim excessively, the yield can be reduced and the overall growth affected. Normally, less planning is required with trimming than with pruning.