Yellow Crookneck Summer Squash (55-60 Days)

A 1700s Heirloom, the Yellow Crookneck Summer Squash is a Native American summer squash and a very prolific heirloom with a buttery flavor and light yellow skin. Should be picked at 4-5” for the best taste. If you were to leave the squash on the plant until maturity they get large and have ornamental warted rinds ideal for fall decoration. 

20 seeds

PLANTING

Cucurbita pepo

Germination: 4-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-85ºF

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2-1" deep

Sowing Indoors: 3-4 weeks before last frost. Provide 70-85ºF soil temperature. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Sowing into individual biodegradable peat/cow pots reduces root damage when transplanting. Transplant 36-48" apart after last frost. 

Sowing Outdoors: Sow after last frost when soil temperature is over 70ºF. Sow a few seeds every 36-48". 

Harvest: Check and harvest a few times a week. Cut or kindly twist off fruit, starting at a 3-4”.

Tips: Plant Yellow Crookneck Summer Squash in fertile soil, amended with compost or well rotted manure and keep well watered. They benefit from growing on black plastic and by using row covers for weed, insect control, and more rapid growth.