Tromboncino Zucchini Squash Seed- Summer/Winter Use, Long Gooseneck
**Description**
* **Unique Shape:** Tromboncino squash is known for its long, curved "gooseneck" shape, with a bulbous, bell-shaped end. This distinctive form resembles a trombone, hence the name.
* **Color and Size:** It has a light yellow-green skin that can turn to a tan color if left to mature on the vine. They are typically harvested when they are around 10 inches long, but can grow much larger (up to 3 feet!) if left to mature.
* **Flavor and Texture:** When young, the flesh is firm, mild, and delicious, similar to zucchini. As it matures, the flesh becomes denser and sweeter, like a butternut squash.
**Latin Name**
* *Cucurbita moschata*
**History**
* **Italian Heirloom:** Tromboncino squash is an Italian heirloom cultivar that originated in the Liguria region of Italy. It has been grown there for many generations.
* **Global Popularity:** While popular in Italy, it has also gained recognition and popularity in other parts of the world due to its unique qualities and resistance to pests.
**Interesting Fact**
* **Dual-Purpose:** Tromboncino is a unique squash because it can be used as both a summer squash and a winter squash. When harvested young, it's treated like a summer squash (like zucchini). When left to mature, it can be cured and stored like a winter squash (like butternut).
**Days to Harvest**
* **Summer Squash:** 50-60 days (when harvested young)
* **Winter Squash:** 100 days (when left to mature)
**How to Grow**
1. **Planting:**
* **Timing:** Can be sown directly to garden after final frost or for earlier harvest, start indoors 4 weeks before final frost.
* **Sunlight:** Tromboncino squash needs full sun (at least 6 hours per day).
* **Soil:** Plant in rich, well-drained soil amended with compost or manure.
* **Spacing:** Give the vines plenty of room to spread (at least 3-4 feet apart). You can also grow them on a trellis to save space and keep the fruits off the ground.
2. **Care:**
* **Watering:** Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Water soil around plant regularly, trying to avoid wetting the leaves. Water early in the day to reduce wet foliage in the night.
* **Fertilizing:** Feed the plants with a balanced fertilizer when they start to bloom.
* **Pollination:** Tromboncino squash relies on pollinators like bees. Attract them to your garden by planting flowers nearby.
* **Pests and Diseases:** Keep an eye out for pests like squash vine borers and squash bugs. These can be deterred with companion planting like marigolds or nasturtiums.
3. **Harvesting:**
* **Summer Squash:** Harvest when the fruits are young and tender, about 8-10 inches long. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the stem, leaving a few inches attached to the fruit.
* **Winter Squash:** Harvest when the fruits are mature and the skin is hard. Cure them in a warm, dry place for a few weeks before storing.
**Use**
* **Summer Squash:** Enjoy it raw in salads, or cook it like zucchini – sautéed, grilled, roasted, or added to soups and stews.
* **Winter Squash:** Roast it, bake it, or use it in soups, stews, and casseroles.