Also known as Cucuzza or Zucchetta Squash, this variety is technically a gourd but it is often referred to as a squash because the young fruit is edible. The squash is pale green with white flesh. Use this wonderful squash when it is young, before it develops a hard shell. Pick the fruit before it reaches 6 inches long. The flavor is sweet and nutty when small but it needs to be harvested very early. Peel the fruit before eating as the skin can be very tough. The older fruit can be dried and used as gourds. The vines are prolific and produce beautiful white flowers that bloom at night. 55 days.

Packet size: 4 grams (approximately 15 seeds)

Plant Cucuzzi Squash seeds in early spring, after all danger of frost is past. It can also be planted in late summer for Fall harvest in mild climates. This vining squash is extremely prolific and can take over a garden if it is not trellised or controlled. When to plant: spring planting, 1-2 weeks after last frost date. Soil should be warm Depth of planting:1 inch deep Plant apart in rows (after thinning): 4 feet apart Distance between plants:plant 7-10 squash seeds in hills or furrows about 4 feet apart. thin to about 6 plants per hill or furrow. Soil type recommended: rich, composted soil Harvest: pick fruit when it is young and tender. Peel the fruit before cooking as the skin can be very tough. If allowed to mature, summer squash becomes tough and loses its flavor.

In Tucson, Cucuzzi vines can be planted on the South side of part of your garden to shield your vegetables from burning summer sun. You won't need to use shade cloth for your tomatoes when you can grow the vines up and over your enclosure. Plant seeds in furrows rather than hills. This allows the seeds to stay cooler while hills tend to dry out in the spring and summer heat.

Plant white icicle radishes around the baby plants; this may help repel squash vine borers. Squash plants love zinnias and marigolds; plant them together in the same bed.