I have pretty good success with plants from seed.
I intensely dislike starting in a container and then transplanting. In younger years I ran my own tests. Planted seed in gardem-nice and rich, proven garden soil, buried drip lines versus 2 inch on side containers in plastic tray on metal shelves covered in clear plastic sheeting and heated with grow lights.
Indoors: sprouted first. Second pair of leaves first. 4 inch tall first then placed in same garden. 8 inch tall second. Second for flowers. second for fruit set. second for fruit size and flavor.
If you buy the potted/sprouted 8 inch tall or slightly smaller look at the root ball, Root growth is stunted because the nutrients needed are not available and you cannot overcome that initial deficiency. The best results are when the roots can grow in search of nutrients and water. Its why I prep my garden in Fall for Spring. I lay down the nutrients and through water and time allow the nutrients to become a part of the soil.
I stood in Kroger last week staring at the price of a green zucchini (1.65 each). I used to trash fruit that looked so sad. And Z-boys grow easy of you can prevent the moth mothers. Only from seed tho...never had a potted one fruit.