Botanical Interests Chiffon Summer Squash Seeds

Botanical Interests Chiffon Summer Squash Seeds

Botanical Interests

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"Chiffon" boasts all the qualities of a perfect summer squash. With high yields, it will produce nearly all summer, starting earlier than most varieties. Fruits grow on upright, compact bushes approximately 2 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide with moderate resistance to powdery mildew. The creamy-yellow skin is very delicate, lending to excellent flavor and texture. Summer squash can be picked extra small giving your dishes a high-class flare or picked at a more mature stage between 6-8 inches long.

Features

Family Cucurbitaceae
Native North America
Life Cycle Frost-sensitive annual
Plant Height Compact vines form a 2' tall by 3'-4' bush type plant.

Further Information

Growing Conditions Frost Sensitive

Planting Squash

Days to Maturity 42 days
Plant Spacing 3 seeds per mound
Light Required Full sun
Plant Height Compact vines form a 2' tall by 3'-4' bush type plant.
Planting Depth 1/2"-1"

Coverage & Planting Details

Coverage	This packet sows up to 4 mounds.
Row Spacing	3'-4'
Seed Depth	1/2"-1"
Seed Spacing	3 seeds per mound
Thinning	When 3 leaves, thin to 1 plant per mound
Germination	5-10 days
Start Indoors	Not recommended except in very short growing seasons, 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground. Transplant when soil temperature is at least 60°F.
Direct Sow	RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°-85°F.
Special Care	Floating row covers can help protect from squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Remove covers when plants begin flowering. Another method to exclude vine borers is to cover the base of the stems near the ground with mulch, foil, or fabric material, as the base of the stem is where insect eggs are laid. Squash plants are susceptible to fungal disease, so make sure plants have ample space for air circulation. Sowing pollinator-attracting plants near squash can assist in proper pollination, resulting in a bigger harvest and well-shaped fruit.
Growing & Harvesting	Harvest frequently to increase yield; squash seem to get monstrous overnight. While edible at any size, seeds are less developed in young fruit, therefore more tender. Using a knife or clippers, cut squash off including some of the stem. By including stem, the fruit is sealed and less likely to mold or dry out. Harvesting Blossoms: Look for male, non-fruit producing flowers that have long stems and harvest just before use (female flowers have a swollen mini-squash at the base of the flower and shorter stems)