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Annual Biennial

Cucurbita moschata 'Tromboncino'

squash 'Tromboncino'

A cultivar of butternut squash, mostly used as a summer squash like courgettes, by harvesting the fruits when young, pale green and around 30cm (1ft) long. These have a sweeter flavour and are less watery than courgettes. They are produced on trailing vines, but will also climb if a trellis is provided. Left to fully develop, the fruit become a stretched, narrowly cylindrical, sometimes twisting shape, around 1m (39in) in length, with a bulbous end furthest from the stalk. The hard skin is smooth and pale orange. Ripe fruits can be stored and used in the same way as other winter squash

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green Green
Autumn Green Orange
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Trailing, Climbing
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

A small genus of climbing or trailing, annual herbaceous fruits. Several edible species are cultivated for food and other uses. Native to Central and South America. Solitary, star-shaped flowers are usually golden-yellow. Leaves are palmately lobed, covered with tiny, prickly hairs

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moisture retentive but well drained, acidic to neutral soil in full sun. Sow indoors March to May in good quality seed compost. Sow the seeds on their side 1cm deep and maintain a constant temperature of 18-21C. Feed regularly with a high potassium fertiliser when the first fruits start to swell. See cucurbit cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews

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