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Squash · Cucurbita pepo 'Early Summer Crookneck'

Yellow Crookneck Squash Early Summer

Yellow Crookneck Squash Early Summer is a hybrid squash. Germination takes 7-10 days and fruit ripens from about day 50-60. Skin runs to bright yellow with light yellow flesh. Water need is 1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture. Suits zones 3-11. It will crop in a container. As a hybrid it will not breed true; saving seed from it is not worth the space.

Squash
50-60days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F, planting seeds 1 inch deep. Can succession plant every 2 weeks for continuous harvest.

Cultivation

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

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Bright yellow with light yellow flesh
Size
6-8 inches long when harvested young
Shape
Curved neck with bulbous end and bumpy, warted skin
Flavour
Rich, buttery, and sweet with tender, creamy texture

In the kitchen

Sautéing, grilling, frying, casseroles, summer vegetable medleys, and fresh eating when young and tender

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew
Resistance
Good resistance to mosaic viruses and moderate powdery mildew resistance

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.

NasturtiumActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, deters aphids
MarigoldRepels cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with strong scent
RadishDeters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil
CornProvides natural trellis and shade, part of Three Sisters companion planting
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil for squash, completes Three Sisters planting method
CatnipRepels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other common squash pests
TansyDeters cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and ants with aromatic compounds
DillAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control squash pests

Avoid

PotatoCompetes for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders with similar root zones
Aromatic herbs (Sage)Strong essential oils can inhibit squash growth and development
FennelAllelopathic properties inhibit growth of squash and most garden vegetables

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 Yellow Crookneck Squash Early Summer suits these too.

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