Summer Squash - Fordhook Zucchini

A classic, cylindrical, dark-green, straight-to-slightly curved zucchini. This squash variety's tender, creamy-white flesh will freeze well for preservation. Seeds grow into vigorous and productive bush plants.

20 organic seeds

KEY GROWING INFORMATION

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Cucurbita pepo

CULTURE:

Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8–6.8 is best. Poor fruit development may indicate insufficient pollination.

DAYS TO MATURITY:

60-70 day from direct seeding; for days to maturity from transplanting, subtract about 14 days.

PLANT SPACING:

Space plants 18-24" apart in rows 6' apart. Wider spacing may allow for easier harvesting.

SUCCESSION PLANTING:

For highest quality fruit, succession plantings every 2-3 weeks may be needed.

HARVEST FRUIT:

For some varieties, it is common for the first fruits to be malformed, wither, or blacken, which indicates poor pollination and is usually remedied as more male flowers appear. Harvest regularly, 2-3 times a week, once plants begin to produce. Cut or gently twist off fruits when they have reached the desired size. For zucchini, 6-8" long; summer squash, 4-6"; and patty pan and round, 2-3" in diameter. Handle with care to avoid scratching fruits.

HARVEST BLOSSOMS:

Harvest male blossoms (with thin stems) or female blossoms (with thick stems and an immature fruit at the base of the flower) in mid to late morning when fully open. Clip flowers 1-2" below flower base. If a squash fruit crop is also desired from the same planting, only harvest male flowers, leaving a few to pollinate the female flowers.

STORAGE:

Keep fruit at 40-50°F (5-10°C), 95% relative humidity for up to 2 weeks. Use as soon as possible for best quality.