Squash

Basic Information

Seed Number

72

Seed Name

Squash

Variety

Fordhook Zucchini

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

Plant Type

Bush summer squash / zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 21

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jul 15

Plantable Months

April, May, June, July

Indoor Start

Apr 21 – May 1

Direct Sow

May 19 – Jul 15

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

2 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

10–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

57 days

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

65-85°F

Planting Depth

1 in

Plant Spacing

36 in

Row Spacing

48-60 in

Thin-To Spacing

36 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

About 1-2 in/week; keep evenly moist during flowering and fruit production

Soil Preference

Fertile, warm, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

Minimum Container Size

18+ in deep/wide container

Plant Height

24-30 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow after frost or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 20 – Jul 1
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 45–60 days
Container Friendly: Yes, 7–10+ gal
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary
Succession / Reusable Notes: Zucchini is productive and worth planting even in early summer.
Zone 6B Notes: Watch for squash bugs and powdery mildew.
Companion Plants: Corn, beans, nasturtiums, marigolds, calendula, radish, borage, sunflowers nearby
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Potatoes, crowded vines
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Plant once frost danger has passed and soil is warm. Fordhook matures in approximately 57 days, allowing both an early-summer crop and a later succession in Southeast Michigan.
Germination: Zucchini seedlings generally emerge in approximately 10-14 days. Avoid cold, saturated soil.
Harvest: Harvest fruits at approximately 6-8 inches for tender texture and best quality. Check plants frequently because zucchini can enlarge rapidly.
Seed Saving: Fordhook is Cucurbita pepo and will cross with compatible zucchini, summer squash, pumpkins and ornamental gourds of the same species.
Special Care: Bush plants spread approximately 48-60 inches despite their relatively short height. Give each plant ample space and airflow.
Research Source: Burpee — https://www.burpee.com/squash-summer-fordhook-zucchini-prod000914.html — Fordhook-specific 57-day maturity, 24-30 inch height, 48-60 inch spread and 6-8 inch harvest size
Research Source: Burpee — https://www.burpee.com/garden-guide/edible-gardening/vegetables/learn-about-zucchini — 10-14 day germination, 1-inch sowing depth, 36-inch spacing, thinning and warm-soil direct sowing
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]