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Smooth Criminal Straightneck Summer Squash

50-55 days. Cucurbita pepo. This totally unique indeterminate yellow Squash grows continuously upright, setting fruit all along its stem as it goes! Along with its spineless stems, this makes harvesting the smooth, golden, straight-necked fruits a breeze. Place sturdy stakes or cages next to the seedlings as they emerge to support the plants as they reach maturity. Remove bottom leaves as they decline and pick fruits at a tasty and tender 6”. (F1.)

One packet of about 15 seeds

 

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#4063
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$4.85
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  • Information
    • A reliable warm weather producer, Summer Squash should be sown as transplants 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. Or it is best direct-sown when the soil is above 50°F. Thin skinned, they store poorly, so harvest right before use. Keep picking to ensure continued production. Avoid baseball bats~enjoy them small and sweet in ratatouille, stuffed and baked, grilled or sautéed with pasta. Bee friendly. Deer resistant.

    Average seed life: 2 years.
  • Gardening Tips
    • Summer Squash Sowing Instructions
      Planting Depth      :1”
      Row Spacing:4’-5’
      Hill Spacing:2’-3’
      Days to Germination: 4-10 days
      Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

      Direct-sow 3 to 5 seeds per hill when soil and weather are reliably warm, after the danger of frost has passed, thinning to the strongest single seedling. To start transplants, sow singly in pots 3 to 4 weeks before setting out. Provide ventilation, strong sunlight and even moisture. Gradually accustom to the outdoors, planting out after the danger of frost has past. Enrich soil with compost, organic fertilizer and/or well-rotted manure. Cover seedlings with cloches or other protection if it gets too cold. Water regularly and feed as needed with manure tea, kelp or fish emulsion. Harvest on the small side for the best flavor. Regular picking also encourages production. Leaves contain a skin irritant, so work carefully around the plants or wear long sleeves. (Powdery mildew on the leaves is normal in late summer, as temperatures cool and humidity rises. It won’t affect the squash.)

      Our Pollinators are in Peril

      Sex and Squash Blossoms
      Melons, Pumpkins and Squash all have yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers, though those of Melons tend to be smaller. Large ones are prized for cooking by Mexican chefs, Italian chefs--and yours truly. The first to appear are usually male blossoms, and until the females appear, you can eat all you want of them. After that, leave a few of the guys for pollination purposes. You can recognize female blossoms by the little bump at the base that will become a Squash once the flower has been pollinated. Males just have a long stem--a perfect “handle” for dipping the flower in batter before deep frying.

      Deer Resistant Seed Varieties

      Cooking Tip: Simple Summer Squash
      Slice the Squash very finely and put it in the top half of a steamer along with finely sliced Onions. Steam briefly until just tender but not mushy. Drain, then stir in chopped Parsley or another favorite fresh herb, along with salt and butter.

      Savory, Sweet and Soulful Summer Squash
  • Featured Recipes
A reliable warm weather producer, Summer Squash should be sown as transplants 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. Or it is best direct-sown when the soil is above 50°F. Thin skinned, they store poorly, so harvest right before use. Keep picking to ensure continued production. Avoid baseball bats~enjoy them small and sweet in ratatouille, stuffed and baked, grilled or sautéed with pasta. Bee friendly. Deer resistant.

Average seed life: 2 years.
  • Summer Squash Sowing Instructions
    Planting Depth    :1”
    Row Spacing:4’-5’
    Hill Spacing:2’-3’
    Days to Germination: 4-10 days
    Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

    Direct-sow 3 to 5 seeds per hill when soil and weather are reliably warm, after the danger of frost has passed, thinning to the strongest single seedling. To start transplants, sow singly in pots 3 to 4 weeks before setting out. Provide ventilation, strong sunlight and even moisture. Gradually accustom to the outdoors, planting out after the danger of frost has past. Enrich soil with compost, organic fertilizer and/or well-rotted manure. Cover seedlings with cloches or other protection if it gets too cold. Water regularly and feed as needed with manure tea, kelp or fish emulsion. Harvest on the small side for the best flavor. Regular picking also encourages production. Leaves contain a skin irritant, so work carefully around the plants or wear long sleeves. (Powdery mildew on the leaves is normal in late summer, as temperatures cool and humidity rises. It won’t affect the squash.)

    Our Pollinators are in Peril

    Sex and Squash Blossoms
    Melons, Pumpkins and Squash all have yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers, though those of Melons tend to be smaller. Large ones are prized for cooking by Mexican chefs, Italian chefs--and yours truly. The first to appear are usually male blossoms, and until the females appear, you can eat all you want of them. After that, leave a few of the guys for pollination purposes. You can recognize female blossoms by the little bump at the base that will become a Squash once the flower has been pollinated. Males just have a long stem--a perfect “handle” for dipping the flower in batter before deep frying.

    Deer Resistant Seed Varieties

    Cooking Tip: Simple Summer Squash
    Slice the Squash very finely and put it in the top half of a steamer along with finely sliced Onions. Steam briefly until just tender but not mushy. Drain, then stir in chopped Parsley or another favorite fresh herb, along with salt and butter.

    Savory, Sweet and Soulful Summer Squash
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