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Costata Romanesco Zucchini

Costata Romanesco Zucchini: 52 days to harvest, 7-10 days to germinate, 3-4 feet between plants, pH 6.0-7.5, hardy in zones 3-11. Fruit runs to about 6-8 inches length (harvest size). Give it full sun (6+ hours) and 1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture water. Vining habit, so give it a frame or a trellis. It will crop in a container.

Squash
52days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 60°F and danger of frost has passed. Can start indoors 2-3 weeks early.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
3-4 feet
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Pale green with dark green ribs and stripes
Size
6-8 inches length (harvest size)
Shape
Vining
Flavour
Superior nutty, sweet flavor with tender, creamy texture

In the kitchen

Excellent grilled, sautéed, in pasta dishes, stuffed, and for gourmet preparations

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, aphids
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, mosaic virus
Resistance
Good general disease resistance typical of Italian varieties

Planting calendar by USDA zone

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

Companion planting

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

NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids
MarigoldsRepels cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with natural compounds
RadishesDeters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil benefiting heavy-feeding squash plants
CornProvides natural trellis and shade, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
CatnipStrongly repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and flea beetles
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides general pest deterrent aromatics
BorageAttracts beneficial insects and may improve growth and flavor of squash

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for similar nutrients and space, both are heavy feeders
FennelInhibits growth through allelopathic compounds and attracts harmful insects
BrassicasCompete for nutrients and may stunt squash growth due to different soil needs

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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Similar varieties

Other squash with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Costata Romanesco Zucchini suits these too.

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