Cucuzzi Gourd - Packet

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SKU
DL013833
Pale green Cucuzzi Gourd was grown by Jefferson at Monticello, and while they can reach three feet long, best when harvested when 6- 12 inches long for fresh eating. Tender, sweet fruit. A stunning ornamental when allowed to grow on big sprawling vines, create a tunnel covered with vines, for the serpent like squash to dangle to full sized.
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Plant Information
The amazing Cucuzzi gourd was introduced to the U.S. in the later part of the 1900s by a man named Zio Menzie. Zio was born in Sicily and moved to New York as a teenager, and every time he traveled home to Italy he would bring more seeds back to the States when he returned. Although technically a gourd, the Cucuzzi is often referred to as a squash because, once peeled and seeded, it can be eaten much like zucchini and other squashes. Mild in flavor with a tender texture, it's delicious in all sorts of dishes and can even be used to make bread and muffins. These giant gourds can grow as long as three feet and plump up to three inches in diameter! However, for eating purposes they should be harvested when they're younger and much shorter, around 6-10 inches. If you decide to let them be the giants they can be, they're certainly fun for crafting and decorating and definitely grab attention. Before vegetable growth, the long, lush vines treat you to quite a show of pretty white flowers.
More Information
SKUDL013833
Item Package Size
Packet
Weight Of Seeds Per Packet
0.12 oz
Seeds Per Packet
approx. 15 seeds per packet
Botanical Name
Lagenaria siceraria
How To Grow
Direct sow or start indoors
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Planting Depth
1 inch
Seed Spacing
24-36 inches
Row Spacing
4-6 feet
Space After Thinning
6 feet
Days To Germinate
3-10 days
Days To Maturity
55 (for eating); 100 (for gourd use)
Seed Life Cycle
Annual
Certifications
Heirloom
Additional Information
Introduced in 1830s
Ships As
Seed
Ships To Canada
Yes
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