Growing Non-GMO Crookneck Summer Squash Vegetable Seeds
How to Grow Crookneck Summer Squash from Seed
Summer squash thrives from frequent harvests and, if left unattended for even a day or two, will surprise with huge fruit. Summer squash seeds are a full sun staple able to be sown directly after final spring frost but, for earliest starts, begin indoors 3-4 weeks prior. Plant 2-3 squash seeds 1" deep per cell, 4-6" apart in Organic, moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5-7.0.
Whether transplanting or sowing direct, plant summer squash seeds on 6-8" tall mounds of soil to accommodate heavy vegetation. Seeds germinate in 4-14 days, thinning out best starts and indoors transplants to 24-36" apart per mound. Summer squash benefits from a top layer of mulch to help cool soil and roots. Fertilize after the first set of blooms appear and again during fruiting stage. Squash becomes starchy and less flavorful when 18-24" long.
Crookneck Summer Squash in the Vegetable Garden
Summer squash boasts one of the most productive, reliable, and fastest growing crops available in the summer. Whether zucchini, crookneck, cousa, or Mexican squash, once these sun-loving squashes start fruiting, they'll continue producing non-stop all the way until the frost. Summer squash thrives from frequent harvests and, if left unattended for even a day or two, is notorious for spitting out unexpected 18-24" monsters when you weren't looking.
Golden Summer Crookneck is a bush type plant produces copious yields of buttery-yellow squash with narrow curved neck. This squash is very tender and full of flavor. Golden summer turns deeper yellow as it matures. Best harvested when 8" long. Keep them picked and they will just keep coming. Extremely easy to grow. Golden Summer Crookneck is one of the earliest producing crookneck squash on the market that just keeps producing all summer long.
Harvesting Crookneck Summer Squash
Summer squash is one of the fastest, most productive crops in the garden and, with frequent harvests, will continue to produce all the way until the frost. Most varieties are ready to harvest 50-60 days from sowing or ideally when 6-8" long. Summer squash will quickly reach a starchy and less flavorful 18-24" long if not harvested promptly. Using shears or a knife, carefully clip off fruits at the stem. Do not harvest young and tender squash by twisting or pulling.
Squash will be ready to harvest in 58 days, and you can harvest every couple of days. Harvest yellow squash when it measures 5-6." If you are harvesting squash blossoms, harvest in the morning.
About Crookneck Summer Squash Seeds
Cucurbita pepo. (50-60 Days)
Yellow Crookneck summer squash is so versatile in the kitchen. This is a good thing because this plant is a producer. You can grate yellow squash and add to fritters and quick-breads. You peel into thin slices and use them as a pasta substitute. This quash variety is a very quick-cooking slice or diced and put into a stir fry as well
1937 Mc Fayden Seed Co. says...
"Of dwarf bushy habit; very productive; bears early and continues through the summer; of rich, golden yellow color, thickly warted and of excellent quality."
1938 Abercrombie Seed Co. says...
"Most widely used Summer Squash; deep orange colour and a grand slicer."
There are so many health benefits that squash provides the body. Summer Crookneck squash gets its yellow color from carotenoids. Carotenoids provide antioxidants that have some disease-busing powers. Lutein in squash helps prevent plaque from building up in arteries. Finally, the fiber in squash can aid in digestion.
