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Squash · Cucurbita pepo var. torticollia

Yellow Crookneck Summer Squash

Yellow Crookneck Summer Squash is a heirloom squash variety (Cucurbita pepo var. torticollia). Harvest begins around day 50-65; seed germinates in 5-10 days. Set plants 36-48 inches between plants apart. Grow in soil pH 6.0-7.5, zones 3-11, full sun (6+ hours). Plants reach 1-3 feet. It will crop in a container.

Squash
50-65days to harvest
5-10days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after all danger of frost and soil reaches 65°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep. Successive plantings every 2-3 weeks.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
36-48 inches between plants
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Bright yellow with bumpy skin
Size
6-8 inches long when harvested young
Shape
Curved neck with bulbous bottom, warty skin texture
Flavour
Mild, slightly sweet, and tender when young

In the kitchen

Sautéing, grilling, baking, casseroles, fritters, soups, stir-fries

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, aphids
Diseases
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, mosaic virus
Resistance
Moderate resistance, susceptible to powdery mildew and mosaic viruses

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.

NasturtiumsRepels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids while attracting beneficial predatory insects
MarigoldsDeters squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and nematodes with natural compounds
RadishesRepels squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, acts as trap crop
CornProvides natural trellis support and shade, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil and completes Three Sisters companion system
CatnipStrong repellent for squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other common squash pests
DillAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control squash pests
SunflowersAttracts pollinators essential for squash fruit production and provides beneficial shade

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for similar nutrients and space, may harbor similar soil-borne diseases
Aromatic herbs (mint, sage)Strong essential oils can inhibit squash growth and development
Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage)Heavy nitrogen feeders that compete directly with squash for nutrients

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 Summer Squash suits these too.

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