Product Description
Crookneck squash produces golden yellow fruits about 4-7 ounces in size with a mild, sweet flavor. Wonderful in salads when sliced thinly, in a stir-fry, or baked au gratin as a substitute for potatoes. Cucurbito pepo is the family of squash that includes zucchini and most of the varieties of summer squash. These squash grow on bushy or vining plants and are eaten in their immature stage when they are still tender. The group also includes many of the pumpkins used for pies and for carving as Jack-o’-lanterns. Acorn squash is also part of this group. These heirloom crookneck squash seeds are part of The Seeds That Built America collection by Harvesting History and are made in the USA!
Planting and Care
Plant the seeds directly into the ground in full sun in late spring (June) after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Sow seeds at a depth of 1 inch, 8 inches apart. Plant in hills, 4 feet apart. When seedlings are 3 inches high, thin, leaving 4 plants per hill. Well-rotted manure or compost dug into the soil where the seeds are to be planted is highly beneficial. Prepare the soil with manure or compost 4 weeks prior to planting.
The seeds will germinate in 7-10 days, reach maturity in 50 days, and provide squash continuously through summer if harvested regularly, about twice a week.
Pro Tip: The way to protect your summer squash from squash borers is to plant it FROM SEED in late June. Another deterrent is to plant radishes and nasturtiums in your squash patch. The Clearwing Moth does not like either of these two plants, especially the radish.
Inspiration
Squash, beans, and corn, known as the "Three Sisters," formed the trinity of the staple diet of Native Americans. Summer Squash is a truly North American squash. Remains of wild or possibly cultivated squash have been found in Mexico dating to 9000 BCE. Similar archaeological evidence has been unearthed in South America, Central America, and North America. The Crookneck variety was introduced in the 1700s.
Eighteenth-century Williamsburg was the home of many ardent gardeners and plant collectors who often exchanged seeds with fellow enthusiasts in Great Britain. Gardeners obtained their seeds from store merchants or from traveling seedsmen. Today, the Colonial Williamsburg seed program continues the tradition by offering many varieties grown in the 18th century.
