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Squash · Cucurbita pepo 'Long Green Trailing'

Vegetable Marrow (Long Green Trailing)

Vegetable Marrow (Long Green Trailing) is a heirloom squash. Germination takes 7-10 days and fruit ripens from about day 60-80. Skin runs to dark green with lighter green stripes, cream-colored flesh. Water need is 2-3 inches per week, especially when fruits are developing. Suits zones 3-11.

Squash
60-80days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F and all frost danger has passed. Can start indoors 2-3 weeks early in short seasons.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
2-3 inches per week, especially when fruits are developing
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with high organic matter and compost
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
60-72 inches (trailing vines spread 8-12 feet)
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green with lighter green stripes, cream-colored flesh
Size
18-36 inches long, 10-20+ pounds when fully mature
Shape
Very long, cylindrical to club-shaped
Flavour
Mild, slightly sweet when young, becomes more neutral and meaty when mature

In the kitchen

Stuffing (traditional British preparation), soups, stews, fritters, can substitute for potatoes when mature

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, slugs
Diseases
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, mosaic virus
Resistance
Moderate disease resistance, susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2——June – AugustSeptember
3——June – JulySeptember – October
4——June – JulySeptember – October
5——May – JuneAugust – October
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.

NasturtiumsTrap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids
MarigoldsRepel cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes
RadishesRepel squash vine borers and cucumber beetles
CornProvides vertical support and shade, part of Three Sisters planting
BeansFix nitrogen in soil, complete the Three Sisters combination
CatnipStrong repellent for squash bugs and cucumber beetles
DillAttracts beneficial predatory insects that control squash pests
SunflowersProvide shade and attract beneficial insects, trap crop for stink bugs

Avoid

PotatoesBoth are heavy feeders competing for nutrients, potatoes inhibit squash growth
FennelAllelopathic properties inhibit growth of squash and most vegetables
Aromatic herbs (sage, rosemary)Strong oils can inhibit squash germination and growth

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
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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 Vegetable Marrow (Long Green Trailing) suits these too.

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