Matures in: 50 days

Description:
Although all squash have their roots in the Americas, zucchini was perfected in Italy. This popular summer variety starts to produce a generous crop of yellow oblong fruits on compact bush-type vines in just 50 days! Young fruits have a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and become milder as they grow larger. Best harvested when less than 7 inches long.

SOWING:
Plant seeds outdoors in late spring when the ground has warmed to 50°F and all danger of frost has passed. Traditionally planted in "hills" of 3 to 5 seeds in each 6 inch circle. Cover seed with 1/2 inch of soil, press firmly, and water in well. Each hill should be spaced 3 to 4 feet apart. Since this is a compact growing variety, a single plant can also be planted in a 15 inch container.

THINNING:
Thin when plants are 2 to 3 inches tall, leaving 2 to 3 of the strongest seedlings in each hill (or one per container).

GERMINATION:
Germinates in 10 to 14 days depending on soil temperature and weather conditions.

REMARKS:
Plants will continue to produce until frost if fruits are kept picked. Eaten fresh, fried, pureed, and sautéed. These plants also produce very large flowers, which are a favorite to stuff, dip in egg and bread crumbs, then sauté in butter! Remember to pick only the male blossoms (if you pick all the blossoms, you will not get any squash).