Growing zucchinis vertically to save space
Tips and ideas
If you don't have a garden or only have limited space, but still want to garden, climbing vegetable plants are a good choice. There are zucchini varieties that tend to grow creeping and can therefore also be grown vertically. All you need is a large pot with a capacity of around 50 L/105 pt, humus-rich garden soil and a climbing support. We give you tips to ensure that your climbing zucchini grows successfully and produces a rich harvest.
Location and soil
For growing climbing zucchini in pots or on the balcony, a sunny location with 6 - 8 hours of sunshine a day is essential. The location should also be sheltered from the wind to protect the plants from wind breakage and strong temperature fluctuations. They prefer fertile, well-drained soil.
Climbing zucchini varieties
- Tromboncino d'Albenga: An Italian variety with long, slender, slightly curved fruits and a mild flavor. It climbs well and is ideal for vertical cultivation.
- 'Black Forest': A climbing zucchini variety that produces dark green, cylindrical fruits and grows to a height of around 2 m/2.2 yd. This variety is resistant to some diseases and grows well on climbing supports. Unfortunately, this variety is an F1 hybrid and is therefore not reproducible and seed-resistant.
- 'Shooting Star': A yellow zucchini variety with an aromatic flavor that grows to a height of up to 1.2 m/1.3 yd. As it is also an F1 hybrid, you cannot obtain your own seeds here either.
- 'Vert de Blanc': A French, climbing variety with green-white, slightly ribbed fruits and a pleasant taste.
- 'Rugosa Friulana': A creeping, Italian variety with slightly ribbed, yellow fruits and a firm consistency. It is well suited to vertical cultivation when supported by climbing aids.
- 'Cocozelle': This variety is easy to care for and produces long, green striped fruits. It grows easily in containers and can grow upwards on a climbing support if you tie the zucchini plant up.
- 'Erken': open-pollinating, old variety with greenish-creamy white fruits. This zucchini variety grows slightly creeping and is very productive. Due to its growth habit, you can also grow this variety vertically as a climbing zucchini plant.
Tying up zucchinis
Most zucchini varieties with tendrils grow naturally creeping on the ground. They usually cannot grow up a climbing aid on their own. You therefore need to tie zucchini plants up regularly. Only use soft ribbons or cords that do not damage the tendrils. Make sure the weight is evenly distributed.
More climbing vegetables for the balcony
- Tomatoes (e.g. Tumbler)
- Cucumbers (e.g. Mini Stars or Mexican Mini Cucumber)
- Beans (e.g. Blue Lake)
- Peas (e.g. Alderman)
- Pumpkins and melons (e.g. Hokkaido pumpkin)
- Nasturtiums
- Aubergines (e.g. Ichiban)
Climbing aids and trellises
As climbing zucchini can climb several meters into the air, climbing supports are essential for vertical cultivation. They provide the plants with the necessary support and stability for good growth. Bamboo poles, tomato spirals or garden trellises are suitable for this purpose. Alternatively, you can also use a wooden or metal trellis, climbing nets or obelisks.
