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With the rising demand for healthy, low-calorie vegetables, zucchini farming presents an excellent agribusiness opportunity, especially for farmers near urban markets such as Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Mombasa.
🥒 Why Grow Zucchini in Kenya?
Zucchini is gaining popularity not only in cities but also in rural communities. Its short maturity period, high yield, and strong local demand make it an attractive crop for both small-scale and commercial farmers.
Here’s why zucchini farming makes sense:
✅ Fast Maturity: Harvest in just 2–2½ months.
✅ High Market Demand: Especially from hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets.
✅ High Yields: Up to 10–12 tons per hectare with proper management.
✅ Continuous Income: Regular harvesting every few days means consistent cash flow.
🌾 Ideal Growing Conditions
Zucchini thrives in warm climates, performing best at temperatures between 17°C and 22°C. It requires about 800 mm of water during its growing period, but with irrigation, it can be cultivated even in semi-arid regions.
Altitude Range: 500–2000 meters above sea level.
Soil Type: Well-drained, light loam soil rich in organic matter.
Soil pH: Between 5.5 and 7.5.
🌱 Land Preparation and Planting
Zucchini grows best in deeply cultivated soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.
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Prepare Ridges or Mounds: 15–20 cm high, spaced at 90 cm × 90 cm.
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Seed Rate: 6–8 kg per hectare.
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Planting: Sow 2–3 seeds per hole, then thin to one healthy plant after two weeks.
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Manure and Fertilizer:
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Apply 1–2 shovels of manure per hill (up to 20 tons/ha).
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Mix 5 g of TSP or DAP fertilizer (150–200 kg/ha) with the soil.
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Top dress with 5 g of CAN (26% N) per plant before flowering.
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⚠️ Avoid excessive nitrogen—it promotes leafy growth at the expense of fruit development.
🌿 Crop Management
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Weeding: Keep the field weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients.
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Mulching: Use dry grass or crop residue to retain soil moisture and keep fruits clean.
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Crop Rotation: Rotate with cereals, beans, cabbages, or potatoes—avoid rotating with other Cucurbitaceae crops (e.g., cucumbers, melons) to prevent disease buildup.
🐛 Common Pests and Diseases
Zucchini can be affected by several fungal diseases such as:
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Powdery mildew
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Downy mildew
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Anthracnose
Control these with recommended fungicides and good field hygiene.
Common pests include:
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Melon fly
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Aphids
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Tobacco whitefly
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Cucumber mosaic virus
Control through regular scouting, removal of infested plants, and use of safe, approved pesticides.
🧺 Harvesting and Yield
Zucchini is ready for harvest 2–2½ months after planting. The fruits should be harvested while still young and tender (15–20 cm long)—about twice a week.
Do not allow fruits to mature fully on the plant, as this stops further production.
With proper management, yields can reach 10–12 tons per hectare, and the crop can remain productive for 5–6 months.
💰 Profitability and Market Opportunities
Zucchini is highly profitable due to its short growing cycle and strong market demand. Farmers can target:
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Local open-air markets
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Urban supermarkets
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Grocery stores and restaurants
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Export markets (with proper quality standards)
By staggering planting dates, farmers can ensure continuous production and income throughout the year.
🌻 Final Thoughts
Zucchini farming is a simple yet rewarding agribusiness opportunity in Kenya. With minimal inputs, proper irrigation, and pest control, you can generate steady income and tap into the growing demand for fresh, healthy vegetables.
Whether you’re a beginner farmer or expanding your agribusiness, zucchini is a great crop to start with.
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