About

This medium to large heirloom squash variety originates from Northern Italy and can extend up to 250 cm in spread. The fruits are substantial, featuring thick, bumpy skin that ranges from blue-green to grey, resembling oversized bubble wrap. Inside, the flesh is a vibrant yellow, offering a sweet and nutty taste. Plant seeds in the spring for an autumn harvest.

About the genus

This genus consists of small, annual herbaceous plants that either climb or trail. Several species within this group are cultivated for their edible fruits and other applications. They originate from Central and South America. The flowers are typically solitary and star-shaped, exhibiting a golden-yellow hue. The leaves are characterized by their palmately lobed structure and are adorned with fine, prickly hairs.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Plant type

Annual Biennial, Fruit Edible

Habit

Trailing

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Time to full height

1 year

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden

Toxicity

Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow in rich, fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Start indoors from mid-late April, sowing in individual pots with seeds on their side about 1.5cm deep. Harden off before June then transplant outdoors to final growing position. Requires plenty of room to grow. See pumpkin cultivation or squash cultivation for further advice

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews