Ornamental Squash ‘Zapalo Plomo’

Cucurbita pepo

Features

  • Easy to grow
  • Edible
  • Heat-loving
  • Vine

Description

This beautiful heirloom variety produces an abundance of medium-size, rounded, deeply lobed fruit that are glaucous green with tan freckling and long tan stems. In addition to its beautiful coloring, it is delicious and extremely long lasting. This rare treasure is a must-grow.

Details

Plant type: annual
Spread: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 95 days
Plant spacing: 18 to 36 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Sow seed indoors 3 weeks before last frost. Plant 2 seeds per 4-in pot and transplant them outside after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds can also be direct-sown into the garden after all danger of frost has passed.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest before the first frost arrives and when the stems begin to turn brown and the rind takes on dullness. Cut the stems with a knife or pruning shears rather than pulling fruits off the vine. If you’re not using them right away, clean freshly harvested fruit with a 10-percent bleach-to-water solution and place them out on tables in the garage, shed, or greenhouse (if you have one) to dry. Cure them for 2 to 3 weeks in a warm, dark place, then use the fruit for creating beautiful displays. If properly cured, most squash will last at least 3 months, but don’t be surprised if they persist even longer.

Details

Description

This beautiful heirloom variety produces an abundance of medium-size, rounded, deeply lobed fruit that are glaucous green with tan freckling and long tan stems. In addition to its beautiful coloring, it is delicious and extremely long lasting. This rare treasure is a must-grow.

Details

Plant type: annual
Spread: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 95 days
Plant spacing: 18 to 36 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Sow seed indoors 3 weeks before last frost. Plant 2 seeds per 4-in pot and transplant them outside after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds can also be direct-sown into the garden after all danger of frost has passed.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest before the first frost arrives and when the stems begin to turn brown and the rind takes on dullness. Cut the stems with a knife or pruning shears rather than pulling fruits off the vine. If you’re not using them right away, clean freshly harvested fruit with a 10-percent bleach-to-water solution and place them out on tables in the garage, shed, or greenhouse (if you have one) to dry. Cure them for 2 to 3 weeks in a warm, dark place, then use the fruit for creating beautiful displays. If properly cured, most squash will last at least 3 months, but don’t be surprised if they persist even longer.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course

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In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.