Squash
60days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after soil warms to 65°F. Provide strong trellis or allow to sprawl.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with compost
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
48-72 inches
Height
4-10 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Light green when young, tan when mature
Size
12-24 inches long, curved neck shape
Shape
Long curved neck with bulbous end, trombone-like
Flavour
Mild and tender when young, sweet and nutty when mature

In the kitchen

Young: like zucchini in stir-fries, grilling. Mature: roasting, soups, purees

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Cucumber beetles, aphids, squash bugs
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew
Resistance
Excellent resistance to squash vine borer, good disease tolerance

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.

NasturtiumsRepel squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids while attracting beneficial predatory insects
MarigoldsDeter cucumber beetles and squash bugs with their strong scent
RadishesRepel squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, break up soil for squash roots
CornProvides natural trellis support for vining tromboncino squash
BeansFix nitrogen in soil to benefit heavy-feeding squash, part of Three Sisters planting
CatnipRepels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and flea beetles more effectively than DEET
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture
SunflowersAttract beneficial insects and provide structure for climbing tromboncino vines

Avoid

BrassicasHeavy nitrogen feeders that compete with squash, may stunt growth and reduce yields
PotatoesCompete for similar nutrients and space, both are heavy feeders that deplete soil
FennelInhibits growth of squash through allelopathic compounds released by roots

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
26
Protein (g)
0.52
Fat (g)
0.2
Carbohydrate (g)
5.64
Sugars (g)
3.54
Vitamin C (mg)
4.5
Vitamin E (mg)
0
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.058
Folate (µg)
22
Calcium (mg)
9
Iron (mg)
0.17
Magnesium (mg)
10
Phosphorus (mg)
12
Potassium (mg)
205
Zinc (mg)
0.07

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Tromboncino Squash?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other squash with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Tromboncino Squash suits these too.

Browse all 60 squash