The Limited Times

Now you can see non-English news...

Cutting back zucchini leaves is particularly useful if there is a pest infestation

2022-07-01T07:15:22.804Z


Cut back zucchini leaves: more harvest, fewer pests Created: 07/01/2022, 08:00 By: Joana Lück Should you cut the zucchini leaves or not? If they're infested with pests, you definitely should. Munich – Light, tasty and very healthy: zucchini are one of the most popular summer vegetables and end up on the plate grilled, fried or twisted in the form of zoodles. But what about the leaves of the be


Cut back zucchini leaves: more harvest, fewer pests

Created: 07/01/2022, 08:00

By: Joana Lück

Should you cut the zucchini leaves or not?

If they're infested with pests, you definitely should.

Munich – Light, tasty and very healthy: zucchini are one of the most popular summer vegetables and end up on the plate grilled, fried or twisted in the form of zoodles.

But what about the leaves of the beautiful plant?

Should you cut them off?

Cut back zucchini leaves: more harvest, fewer pests

Zucchini belong to the pumpkin family.

(Iconic image) © Shotshop/Imago

The plant could die off or a harvest could fail - there are numerous myths about cutting zucchini leaves.

The (correct) cutting of the leaves of the pumpkin plant can even stimulate growth, similar to cutting out tomatoes.

But it's still important to know that zucchini need their leaves for photosynthesis and use them for shade.

You should note the following:

  • Like all cucurbits, zucchini plants can reach sprawling proportions and also grow very quickly.

    Their leaves often reach a diameter of up to 30 centimeters.

  • Infected leaves should be removed in any case: This can be done with a sharp knife or sharp pruning shears.

    Under no circumstances should you tear off the leaf with your hands, as this can damage the whole plant.

  • More harvest: If you remove weak leaves or leaves that are even infested with pests, the plant has more energy that it can invest in the fruit.

  • But: If the plant is too bare, it lacks the energy for fruit development.

    In addition, the young leaves and fruits at the base are not adequately protected from the sun and can suffer burns.

  • You don't have to throw away healthy, cut leaves, you can enjoy them as well as the fruit and the flower.

    The latter tastes particularly good stuffed and fried and is a delicacy throughout Italy.

You can find even more exciting gardening topics in our free newsletter, which you can subscribe to here.

One solution if your zucchini leaves are growing over your head again: let the plant climb.

With the help of a rose arch, you can transform your garden into a shady oasis in no time at all.

Special climbing zucchini are particularly suitable for this location, which does not mean that you should not attach the plant to the arch at the beginning and again and again.

Alternatively, you can also tie annoying leaves together with a cord.

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2022-07-01

You may like

Life/Entertain 2024-02-05T04:52:00.221Z

Trends 24h

News/Politics 2024-03-27T16:45:54.081Z

Latest

© Communities 2019 - Privacy

The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.
The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.