Habit (mature) - H. Zell / Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 3.0
Limited coverage
Summer squash / zucchini
Cucurbita pepo
The single species behind summer squash (zucchini, yellow crookneck, pattypan), winter acorn + delicata + spaghetti squash, and most carving + edible pumpkins — varieties differ in fruit shape, ripening time, and storage capacity but plant biology is uniform. Monoecious with separate male + female flowers; bee pollination is required for fruit set, and the specialist squash bee (Peponapis pruinosa) is the canonical wedge-relevant pollinator. Heavy feeders + drinkers; rich soil + consistent moisture are load-bearing.
Edible
Light
Full sun
Water
Consistent moisture
Mature size
12-36" tall · 36" apart
Hardy in zones
Annual; NC State profile lists 3a-11b context
AHS heat range
4-11
Plant range authored in AHS heat-zone terms.
Native in Illinois
No
Related products
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Moisture retention
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Winter protection and storage
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Plant support
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Seed starting
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Container growing
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Cucurbita pepo cultivars produce summer squash (eaten immature: zucchini, yellow crookneck, pattypan), winter squash (eaten mature: acorn, delicata, spaghetti), pumpkins (carving + pie), and gourds (ornamental, hard-shelled).
Cold hardiness
Future
This plant is grown as an annual; hardiness zones don't apply.
Heat tolerance
Future
Heat tolerance values are location-based too: heat days today are observed at this site, and the 2050 value projects this same location under a future climate.
Loading AHS heat-zone data for this location...
Sources & citations
Cite this page
For lesson plans, articles, or research that uses this page. To cite a single upstream fact instead, use its specific source listed below.
Plotwright. (2026, May 17). Summer squash / zucchini (Cucurbita pepo). Retrieved 2026, June 14, from https://plotwright.garden/plants/cucurbita-pepo/summer-squash
Sources for every fact
Every fact on this page traces to a source. 18 fields cited - 18 source-backed.
NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
University extension service
Backs 17 fields
Identity
Summary
Plant type
Light
Moisture
Hardiness
Heat zone
Size
Spacing
Habit
Design roles
Seasonal interest
Growth stages
Lifecycle
Regional guidance
Success tips
Designer notes