Cucurbita, Squash (Summer), Cocozelle Zucchini ~ 25 seeds

Seeds are biologically designed for travel. During the period of European colonization, they traveled farther and faster than they ever had before, as mariners brought seeds of American crops back to their homelands. Hundreds of years of selection later, seeds of many of these crops in new and varied forms re-crossed the Atlantic with immigrants. For eating, pick this variety at the dinghy stage rather than waiting for it to turn into a yacht. Saving seeds? Let it grow as big as a battleship.

This bush-type plant churns out squash that taste great. It's delicious sautéed on its own or in a ratatouille. 

Growing Instructions
Sow about 24 inches apart in a row at a depth of about an inch the third or fourth week of May. Or, start squash three weeks earlier under protection for quickest yields. If you harvest plants regularly, when the fruit are at a fairly young stage, they will continue to produce additional squash for weeks, even months. However, squash plants often begin to look ragged, succumbing to mildews and other diseases that slow down production. It's best to make two additional sowings at one-month intervals to have summer squash available all season. 

Quick Facts
Days to Germination: 7-12 days
Days to Maturity: 55 days
Planting Depth: ½-1"
Spacing in Row: 24"
Spacing Between Rows: 36-48"
Height at Maturity: 18-24"
Sun Preference: Full Sun

About the Artist
Artwork by Will Sweeney. This digital illustration connects the grand majesty of a transatlantic crossing with the simple pleasures of the garden. Will is a prolific illustrator who has rendered work for everything from Spawn to Sesame Street.