Zucchini fruit withering

Question

My zucchini grows nice shiny fruit to about 5-6″ and it just stops growing. I wait a week, just in case. I picked it today and it rotted from the inside out. This is the second time it has happened. It is a large gorgeous plant. I am in zone 7b, NE Alabama. Thanks in advance.

Btw, it is a new bed and I am growing tomatoes around it. They are nice plants too.

Answer 1

There could be a few reasons for the vegetable rotting.
Are there any other signs of disease or damage to the plants and vines?
What variety are you growing? Check the seed packet to see if your vegetables are reaching the maturity size common for your plant.
I personally like to pick my zucchini at a small size, so this can be a good coarse of action for you if your not seeing any other issues.
Here are links to possible problems and what to look for.
Crop rotation is always a good thing for next year.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/zucchini/solutions-for-common-problems-growing-zucchini.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/avoid-belly-rot-in-vegetables.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/zucchini/vine-borers-zucchini.htm