you could harvest zucchini at any time without harming the plant.
Generally, it’s best to harvest this squash when it’s about 5" to 7" long.
If desired, you’re able to harvest them even smaller.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
you’re able to also harvest small squash with the flower attached.
Harvesting Zucchini Flowers
Zucchini plants produce both male and female flowers and arepollinatedby bees and other insects.
The male flowers grow from a slender stem attached to the main plant.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Female flowers grow from the end of the fruit.
If you want fruit, be careful not to harvest too many flowers of either sex.
This ensures that there will be pollen for fruit production.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
To harvest male flowers, cut off the stem an inch or two below the blossom.
This gives you something to hold while cooking and prevents damage to the fragile flower.
Otherwise, the petals will close, and you have to perform careful surgery to reach the stamen.
Again, you might also harvest the flower and its tiny fruit together.
