A crookneck bred for its savory taste and superior texture. Tempest Summer Squash has a bright yellow exterior with gentle ridges and subtle white stripes that run the length of the 4-7” fruits. Its flesh has a higher starch content, making it less watery than other varieties, which translates to a pleasantly firm, drier texture with a light nutty flavor. Bushy, open-habit plants have soft spines for easy harvest.

10 seeds

PLANTING

Cucurbita pepo

Germination: 4-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures are 70-85ºF

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2-1" deep

Sowing Indoors: 3-4 weeks before the 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 after the last frost, 36-48" apart. 

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

How much does a packet plant: 8-10 foot single row, 2-3 hills

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

Tips:  Tempest Summer Squash needs fertile, well-drained soil, amended with compost, well-rotted manure, and/or added organic fertilizer. Keep well watered for optimum growth, mulching will help retain moisture. Use black plastic mulch and row covers for weed, insect control, and faster growth.