Are you growing zucchini in South Dakota, but don’t know when the best time to harvest them is?

Harvesting zucchini is not as easy as it seems.

Here’s why:

• Zucchini have a very short window when they can be harvested and still taste great.

So if you harvest them too early they may not be ready and taste bad. And if you harvest them too late they may become infected with mold, fungus, insects, etc., and become inedible.

Today, I’m going to teach you the ideal time to harvest zucchini in South Dakota:

• To Learn More About HOW to Grow Zucchini, Check Out This GUIDE!

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When Do I Harvest Zucchini in South Dakota?

As you may have already guessed, there are two main factors that determine when you should harvest your zucchini: the physical features of the zucchini & weather (time).

Harvest Zucchini if They Look Like This!!!

The physical features of zucchini are what most gardeners commonly rely on to determine if they are ready to be picked off the plant or not.

In general, you should harvest zucchini if they have the following physical features:

• The entire zucchini is a solid red color. If the zucchini is a lighter shade of red, it is not ready to be harvested
• The zucchini is slightly soft. Too hard means it is not ready. Too soft means it is overripe (but still edible)
• Easily able to be deattached from the the plant. This means it has absorbed all the nutrients it needs and is ready.

Harvest Your Zucchini During THIS Time of Year!!!

In general, you should harvest zucchini:

• 65 to 85 days after starting zucchini from seed
• 40 to 50 days after planting zucchini in your garden
• 20 to 30 days after zucchini first appear

And no matter what, you should ALWAYS harvest your zucchini before the first frost of the year. Frost will immediately kill your zucchini plant and make your zucchini inedible.

For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in South Dakota. If your city is not listed below you can find its Last & First Frost Dates HERE.

South Dakota Last & First Frost Dates

It should be noted that you should not overly rely on the first frost of the year. The average first frost of the year is only correct 30% of the time.

Instead, pay close attention to your local weather.

When you know a frost is coming you need to take action.

• If zucchini are in pots, bring them inside
• If zucchini are in the ground, cover them in burlap and hope they survive
• Pick all zucchini. If they are not ready, place them in a brown paper bag and store them for approximately 1 to 2 weeks to see if they become edible.

If you want to learn WHEN to harvest ANY Vegetable in South Dakota, head over to HERE and just type in the vegetable you want to grow.