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Squash · Cucurbita pepo 'Cocozelle'

Cocozelle Italian Heirloom Zucchini

Cocozelle Italian Heirloom Zucchini: 55-65 days to harvest, 7-10 days to germinate, 36-48 inches between plants, pH 6.0-7.0, hardy in zones 3-11. Fruit runs to about 6-8 inches long, 2-3 inches diameter. Give it full sun (6+ hours) and 1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture water. It will crop in a container.

Squash
55-65days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil reaches 65°F. Can start indoors 2-3 weeks before transplanting.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
36-48 inches
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green with light green to cream colored stripes
Size
6-8 inches long, 2-3 inches diameter
Shape
Cylindrical with slight ribbing, classic zucchini form
Flavour
Rich, nutty, and sweet with firm, dense texture

In the kitchen

Italian dishes, grilling, sautéing, stuffing, ratatouille, bread, and frittatas

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, aphids, vine borers
Diseases
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt
Resistance
Moderate resistance typical of heirloom varieties

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2——June – AugustSeptember
3——June – JulySeptember – October
4——June – JulyAugust – October
5——May – JuneAugust – September
6——May – JuneAugust – September
7——April – JuneJuly – September
8——April – MayJuly – August
9——March – AprilJune – July
10——February – AprilMay – July
11——January – MarchApril – June
12——January – MarchApril – June
13——January – MarchApril – June

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids
MarigoldsDeters squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and nematodes with strong scent
RadishesRepels squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, harvested before squash spreads
BeansFix nitrogen in soil to benefit heavy-feeding squash plants
CornProvides vertical structure and shade, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
CatnipStrong natural repellent against squash bugs and cucumber beetles
DillAttracts beneficial insects that prey on squash pests like aphids
BorageAttracts pollinators essential for squash fruit production, may improve growth

Avoid

Black WalnutProduces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill squash plants
PotatoesCompete for similar nutrients and space, both are heavy feeders
FennelInhibits growth of squash through allelopathic compounds

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
21
Protein (g)
2.71
Fat (g)
0.4
Carbohydrate (g)
3.11
Fibre (g)
1.1
Vitamin A (µg)
25
Vitamin C (mg)
34.1
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.142
Folate (µg)
20
Calcium (mg)
21
Iron (mg)
0.79
Magnesium (mg)
33
Phosphorus (mg)
93
Potassium (mg)
459
Zinc (mg)
0.83
Selenium (µg)
0.3
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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the squash growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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