Zucchini - Cocozelle

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CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
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Approximately 12-15 seeds per gram.
Cucurbita pepo
Lot# ZU42005
Cocozelle Zucchini (summer squash) is the classic ‘Italian heirloom’ striped summer squash.  It has been available since 1885.   Large bush plants are non-vining and grow on a semi upright open habit that can reach 45-61cm (18-24”) tall with a spread that reaches 45-50cm (18-20”) wide.   A vigorous producer of long cylindrical glossy green to black fruits with white–yellow stripes.  Flesh is firm with white flesh  Outstanding flavor and texture, one of the better tasting zucchinis available today. They are best eaten when under 15-20cm (6-8”) long or smaller, and 3-8cm (1½-3”) in diameter. This is a good variety for freezing.  Easy to grow.
Planting Instructions:   
  • Direct sow the seeds in June once the soil is warm up to at least 21˚C (70˚F).  Sow 4 to 5 seeds 12mm-2.5cm (½-1”) deep into hills or rows.  Space hills 91-121cm (3-4’) apart. When the seedlings are 5-7cm (2-3”) tall, thin them to 2-3 plants per hill. If planting rows, sow seeds 10cm (4”) apart in 91-121cm (3-4’) apart. When the seedlings are 5-7cm (2-3”) tall, thin to one plant every 45-61cm (18-24”). For transplants, start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting outside. Sow 3 or 4 seeds per pot and thin to one or two plants. Harden off seedlings gradually by cutting back on water and exposing them to sunlight daily.  Seedlings should have more than 2 to 3 true leaves prior to transplanting outside.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Planting Depth:   Sow seeds 12mm- 2.5cm (½-1”) deep.
  • Germination:  3-10 days.
  • Height at Maturity: Cocozelle Zucchini plants reach 45-61cm (18-24”) tall.  Spread is about 45-50cm (18-20”) wide. 
  •  Days to Maturity:   50-60 days.
  • Watering:   Zucchini plants require at least 4-5cm (1½-2”) of water a week.  This will ensure good growth, whether vegetables are grown in single hills or wide rows. The amount of rain that falls during the week will help supplement how much you should water your garden.  Soil should remain mildly moist. Do not water shallowly. The soil needs to be moist 4 inches down.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun     
  • Spacing after Thinning:   Space transplants one plant every 45-61cm (18-24”) apart in rows 45-61cm (18-24”) apart. 
Additional Information:
You will not need to grow many of these plants as they are quite prolific producers unless you have lots of friends and family that enjoy zucchini.   The bush habit is rather closed and can make harvesting a bit of a challenge. Sow squash in the garden as early as 2 weeks after the last average frost date in spring. To get a head start on the season sow squash indoors about 3 weeks before you transplant it into the garden. Sow succession crops every 2 to 4 weeks to extend the harvest and to protect against crop loss to insects or disease. Time all plantings so that squash comes to harvest before the first frost in fall. 
 
By the time the Cocozelle Zucchini reaches its mature size, they can be monsters that reach 76-92 cm (30-36”) long with a tough hard hide.  If you want to collect seeds for next year, cut them in half ‘length ways’ and scoop out the pulp and seeds with a spoon, and rinse off the pulp. Put the mixture in a bowl of water to remove the remaining pulp; the good seeds will sink. Remove the good seeds and spread them out to dry for 2-3 weeks, stirring them at times to make sure they dry completely. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 4 years.