18 Types of Zucchini (With Pictures)

They're a variety of summer squash, and they belong to the same family that includes pumpkins, squash, and gourds.

Compared to other fruits, zucchinis are considered fast growers. The plant needs approximately 45-60 days to start blooming, which is faster than most.

Zucchinis grow on a bushy plant with large leaves and prickly trichomes on the stem. Its flowers usually have bright yellow and orange petals.

💡 Interestingly enough, zucchinis have been around for longer than you think. It's believed that they were present during the Paleolithic period in a wild variety. 

The theory is that the Mexicans selected the zucchini that we know today and started growing it, and then it moved across borders to the rest of the world.

Some types are better suited for stuffing, and others are better fits for grilling and roasting.

Here's a brief overview of each type:

Pattypan squash is a variety of zucchini known for its shallow shape and scalloped edges. It's so unique that you'll hardly find any fruit or veggie that looks like it, and it's often either white, green, or most commonly, yellow.

Like most zucchinis, pattypans are fast growers. They'll be ready for harvesting after 45-70 days on average.

You can always eat it raw, but it tastes better when cooked.

Do you know those yellow fruits with curvy, crooked necks that you often see at grocery stores?

Those are the hardly mistakable crookneck squashes! 

If you thought pattypans had unique shapes, you're about to change your mind.

These distinct-looking fruits have oval bodies and may be green or white. They're loaded with nutrients, making them an excellent choice for many dishes.

If you ate stuffed zucchini before, you're probably familiar with this variety. 

Round zucchini is one of the most common varieties of zucchini fruit, thanks to its mildly sweet taste and nutty undertone. 

You can also go out of your comfort zone and use them as bowls for serving zucchini soup. They're pretty versatile to have around.

Magda is a thin zucchini variety that grows in the Middle East, mainly in Lebanon. It looks similar to traditional zucchini, but it is pale green rather than the dark green we're used to.

On top of that, it has an oval elongated frame with tapered ends. 

Magda zucchini has the same sweet taste as most varieties, but its flesh is slightly firmer than traditional zucchini.

The best thing about these Middle Eastern treats is that they're low in calories yet high in nutrients. They contain plenty of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C.

Costata Romanesco zucchini, also called Romanesco zucchini, is an Italian heirloom variety known for its tender, gray-green skin and prominent ribbing, giving it a unique appearance.

Despite their name, black beauty zucchinis aren't actually black. They are dark green on the outside and pale white on the inside.

Like Magdas, these zucchinis have elongated shapes with tapered ends, but they're more slender. Besides, they're more common; you'll likely find them in all grocery stores.

Aside from that, their compact size makes them easy to grow in small spaces.

Cocozelle zucchinis have the same shape as black beauties, but instead of the smooth dark green skin, they have a stripped skin with light green and dark green shades.

You can also skewer these zucchinis with chicken kabobs. Their low water content means they won't turn soggy or release all their moisture on the other veggies.

This quality makes them a great choice for zucchini bread or baked goods.

Some people make cocozelle zucchini by hollowing it out and stuffing it, and some people make them into zucchini boats. In all cases, they're as versatile as fruits come!

Gourmet gold zucchini looks like almost every other zucchini: elongated, slender, and bulging at the bottom.

However, unlike zucchini's signature green color, gourmet golds are bright yellow, closer to orange and gold.

Dunja zucchini looks strikingly similar to black beauties with the same dark green skin.

It also has a similar taste to most zucchini varieties, and it's often a top choice for gardeners because it's easy to grow and harvest.

Some people also use Dunja zucchinis for fritters because they're easy to grate and have a soft texture.

Golden egg zucchinis have that name because they do look like golden eggs!

Unlike most zucchinis on our list, they're round and fat, making them closer in shape to pumpkins, which belong to the same family.

Golden eggs are popular among gardeners because they're fast growers-faster than most zucchini varieties. They can be ready to harvest in 40-45 days, which is shorter than what I can say for most fruits.

Zephyr may be the most unique type of zucchinis with its yellow color and light green base. The fruit looks like it's been dipped in light green paint at the bottom!

Shape isn't the only unique thing about this variety-its taste also differs from the sweetness you're used to with other types.

It has a nutty kick to it, and it's not as smooth or tender as other zucchini. That's why it's often eaten raw or with creamy dips.

Do you remember seeing a zucchini that looks more like a snake? That's 99% a Rampicante zucchini! 

If you thought Zephyr zucchinis were unique, you're about to think again.

Rampicantes are an Italian variety of zucchinis, and they're long, slender, and curved towards the bottom with a fat, bulging part. 

Rampicante zucchinis have a tender texture and the same mildly sweet taste as most varieties. They're also highly nutritious and packed with vitamins A and C.

💡 Interesting Fact: You may find them in some places labeled as Tromboncino zucchini, but both are the same thing.

The name Tromboncino is derived from the word trombone, a musical instrument similar in shape to zucchinis.

Caserta zucchinis fall into the same category as Cocozelles, featuring the same striped skin.

However, Casertas have lighter shades of green, and they're wider toward the bottom.

As the plant matures, the fruits may curve toward the edge like crookneck zucchinis, but that only happens when they're left on the vine. 

It's better to harvest them early to enjoy the tenderness!

A lot of gardeners favor Caserta zucchinis because they're relatively low-maintenance. On top of that, they don't need a large space to grow, and they yield a lot of fruits.

Caserta zucchinis are especially popular in Italian dishes like fritters and pasta, but they can be used in all dishes where zucchini is usually used.

Bianco de Trieste zucchini is a tasty type of zucchini with short, pale green fruits and creamy flesh.

It's best picked at about 6 inches for the best taste and tenderness.

Bush Zucchini or Green bush zucchini, a prolific variety that yields dark-skinned fruits throughout the summer.

With its oval shape and vibrant green color, it's perfect for any zucchini recipe.

Lebanese squash, also known as cymling or kusa, is a small, cylindrical squash with a sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture.

Widely grown in the Middle East.

That makes them perfect for salads or summer pasta dishes, but not so ideal for baked goods.

Like Casertas, Gadzukes zucchinis are favored by some gardeners because they're resistant to common pests and diseases. Additionally, they have a high yield like most varieties.

Large zucchini may taste less flavorful and are better for baking.

Choose small to medium ones (6-8 inches long, 2 inches or less wide) with shiny, bright green skin.

They should feel firm and heavy for their size. Small scratches or bruises are fine, but avoid zucchini with pitted skin, spongy textures, or soft, wrinkled ends.

• If you want great flavor, go for French or Italian heirloom zucchinis. If you're after nutrition, pick yellow ones-they're packed with healthy stuff.
• For big harvests, try 'Dunja' or 'Sungreen'.
• And if you want to make interesting meals, go for 'Cocozelle'.

If you've had issues in the past, like powdery mildew or lack of space, there are varieties like 'Dunja' and 'Black Forest' that can help. Just pick what suits your needs and enjoy growing your zucchinis!

When I grow zucchini at home, I buy my seeds online and use Seeds Now. They have my favorite zucchini-Black Beauty and small Summer squash.

🥒 READ MORE: Top 10 Zucchini Recipes

Cooking Zucchini: Frequently Asked Questions

Zucchini Growing: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest growing zucchini?

The "Black Beauty" zucchini is known for growing quickly, usually ready in 45 to 55 days. Other fast-growing options include the Bossa Nova and round zucchini varieties, which can be ready in as little as 30 to 45 days from seed.

Is zucchini the same as courgette?

Zucchini and courgette are actually the same thing, just with different names in different places. In English-speaking countries, it's usually called zucchini, but in Europe, especially in British English and French, it's called courgette.

What are the best tasting courgettes?

The tastiest courgettes are usually the fresh, tender ones picked when they're small or medium-sized. Varieties like "Black Beauty" and "Golden Zucchini" are popular for their yummy flavor and how well they work in recipes.

But everyone's taste is different, so it's good to try a few types to find your favorite.

What is the best variety of zucchini?

The best type of zucchini varies depending on what you like and how you want to use it. Some popular ones are "Black Beauty" because it's great for cooking, and "Golden Zucchini" because it's a bit sweeter.

There's also "Costata Romanesca," known for its nutty taste, and "Greyzini," which has a mild flavor and cool grey-green color. Trying different kinds can help you find your favorite!

What is the secret to growing zucchini?

To grow zucchini well, make sure they get lots of sunlight, use good soil with plenty of organic material, and water them regularly.

Also, pick the zucchinis often and watch out for pests and diseases to keep your plants healthy and productive.

👉 READ ALSO: How To Store Zucchini

Do you need 2 zucchini plants to get fruit?

Nope. You usually only need one zucchini plant to produce fruit because zucchini have both male and female flowers on the same plant, which allows them to pollinate themselves.

Is a zucchini a fruit or a vegetable?

Zucchini is a fruit because it grows from the flower of the zucchini plant and has seeds inside. But in cooking, people usually treat it like a vegetable.

Final Thoughts

As it turns out, the two or three types of zucchini you usually find at your local supermarket aren't the only types around! There are more than one zucchini type (and more than 18!) different types of zucchinis with different shapes and tastes.

The good news? They're all versatile, and they all taste incredibly good in a variety of dishes.

Whether you're making a stir-fry, a salad, or a summer pasta, you can always do with an addition of zucchini!