![]() ![]() ![]() Pattypan, or scallop squash is notable for their distinct flat, saucer-shaped form and bright yellow, white or green color. They are quite a bit shorter and squatter than zucchini, and while they look similar to their greener cousin, cousa actually tastes more like a yellow squash.Ĭousa has a lighter texture than zucchini and this Middle Eastern squash variety is great sauteed, stuffed or steamed. CousaĬousa squash is pale yellow or light green, short oval squash that are touted by many as the best-tasting squash available. Summer squash can be eaten raw or cooked. All summer squash have thin skin, as they are picked before the outer layer has a chance to toughen up. Though some varieties may have slightly subtle differences in flavor, they all tend to share a nutty, mild-in-taste quality. Summer squash is tender and ready to be harvested at the height of the warm summer season. It actually matures during the cooler fall months each year and is only named “winter” squash because its thick, hard shell means it can last much longer, well into winter months, than its soft-skinned summer sibling. Winter squash isn’t as forthcoming with its name, however. As its name would imply, summer squash thrives and is ready for picking in the summer months. The difference between summer and winter squash is simply when to harvest. And while each one is planted late spring through early summer, when to harvest squash falls into two main categories, summer or winter. There are dozens of different varieties of squash. Squash comes from the gourd family, and it is unique in that the fruit, seeds, flowers and even some varieties’ vines may be cooked and enjoyed. All types of squash are generally bountiful plants that grow and yield plenty of fruit, if you know what to plant and when to plant it. PACKET: 30 seeds.While most of us are familiar with the basic different kinds of squash like pumpkins and zucchini, many people don’t realize how many varieties of squash there actually are. DAYS TO MATURITY: From direct seeding subtract about 14 days if transplanting. Buttercups are sweeter after a few weeks of storage and will keep up to 4 months. Storage potential and timing of best eating quality varies by type. Repeated exposure to temperatures below 50☏/10☌ may cause chilling damage. STORAGE: Store at 50-60☏/10-15☌, 50-70% relative humidity and good ventilation. Sun cure by exposing fruits for 5-7 days or cure indoors by keeping squash at 80-85☏/27-29☌ with good air ventilation. Cut fruits from vines and handle carefully. HARVEST: Fruits are typically ready about 50-55 days after fruit set, and should be harvested before any hard frosts. Keep field borders mowed and remove plant refuse in the fall spring plow to bury pupae. For vine borers, cut out of vines and hill soil over the wound. Squash bug eggs found on the undersides of leaves may be crushed by hand. Protect young plants with floating row cover. INSECT PESTS: Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and vine borers are all common pests for cucurbits. If necessary, check with your local Cooperative Extension Service agent for specific control options. Avoid problems with adequate soil drainage, good air flow, insect pest control, and crop rotation. DISEASES: Common cucurbit diseases include powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, and Phytophthora. In-row spacing depends on fruit size and is generally: small, 18-24" medium, 24-36" large, 36-48". PLANT SPACING: Bush to short-vine habits generally require 6' between-row spacing, while long-vine habits require 12' between-row spacing. Thin to 1 plant per spacing interval after seedlings are established. DIRECT SEEDING: Sow 2 seeds at the appropriate spacing interval for the variety's vine length, 1/2-1" deep. Handle seedlings carefully minimal root disturbance is best. After danger of frost has passed, transplant out according to the spacing recommendations for each variety. Harden plants 4–7 days prior to transplanting. Thin to 1 plant/container or cell with scissors. TRANSPLANTING: Sow 2-3 seeds per 2" container or plug flat about 3 weeks prior to transplanting. Poor fruit development may indicate insufficient pollination. Row covers should be removed when plants begin to flower. Plastic mulch and fabric row covers (AG-19 grade) can aide plant establishment and exclude insect pests during the seedling stage. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cucurbita maxima CULTURE: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8 is best. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |