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Squash · Cucurbita pepo 'Rampicante'

Zucchini Rampicante

Zucchini Rampicante is a heirloom squash. Germination takes 7-10 days and fruit ripens from about day 60-65. Skin runs to light green with darker green stripes. Water need is 1-2 inches per week, deep watering. Suits zones 3-11.

Squash
60-65days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm, or start indoors 2-3 weeks early. Plant seeds 1 inch deep near a trellis.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, deep watering
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
48-60 inches
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Light green with darker green stripes
Size
12-18 inches long, curved
Shape
Long, curved, and deeply ribbed
Flavour
Sweet, nutty flavor with firm, dense flesh

In the kitchen

Excellent stuffed, grilled, roasted, or used in Italian dishes. Young fruits can be used like regular zucchini.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash vine borers, cucumber beetles, aphids
Diseases
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt
Resistance
Good air circulation from vertical growing reduces disease pressure

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2——June – AugustSeptember
3——June – JulySeptember – October
4——June – JulyAugust – 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.

NasturtiumActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids
MarigoldDeters cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with natural compounds
RadishRepels squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, improves soil structure
BeansFix nitrogen in soil to benefit heavy-feeding squash, provide ground cover
CornProvides natural trellis support for climbing variety, creates beneficial microclimate
CatnipStrongly repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other common squash pests
BorageAttracts beneficial insects, may improve growth and flavor of squash
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides general pest deterrent properties

Avoid

PotatoCompetes for nutrients and space, both are heavy feeders requiring similar resources
FennelInhibits growth of most garden plants including squash through allelopathic compounds
Aromatic herbs (Sage)Strong oils can inhibit squash growth and may reduce fruit production

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 Zucchini Rampicante suits these too.

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