Several people have been wondering what they can plant that will do well during the hot summer heat and humidity.
Southeast Texas can be brutal and we can go long stretches without rain, and I know that there are parts of the US right now that are in drought conditions. My parents are one of them.
And don’t even get me started on the insect pressures that we have here.
Some are getting discouraged as their plants struggle and even died in the intense inferno.
They wondering if it is even worth growing during the summer months.
Maybe you are wondering the same thing.
I’ve got you!
The key is to grow what does well in your area, and one of those plants that LOVES the heat and can go long periods without being watered and still produce it Italian Squash.
One of the benefits of planting this squash is that it really takes no maintenance on your part, and that is something I can get behind.
Just like you, I have a busy life and I don’t want to have to baby my plants all the time.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love my plants, but they have to act like grown A$$ adults and do their thing on their own.
Too many of us try to grow things that don’t do well in the climate we live and we struggle and just want to give up.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Growing Italian Squash
Italian squash also goes by the name Cucuzza, pronounced ku-koo-za, it is summer squash, popular in southern regions of Italy, therefore, it grows best in hot, humid conditions. Perfect for Southeast Texas!
You may see it under the name calabash, serpent of Sicily, bottle gourd, longissima, Italian edible gourd, googootz, suzza melon, Tasmania bean, and zucca, just to name a few.
This squash creates a very LONG vine, so make sure you have the space for it to grow 20-30 feet. The vine itself can grow quickly and I have had to cut it back to keep it under control.
It is best to sow seeds directly into the garden, since the roots of this plant are fragile and don’t handle transplanting well. Although, if you live in Northern climates, you can give it a shot, just start seeds early and move outside once the threat of frost is gone and soil temperatures are at least 70 degrees.
They love full sun. Keep soil moist until firmly established. After that, they require very little effort. In fact, this is one plant that has gone weeks without watering and will still growing in length and produce fruit.
Italian squash is a little different in that it blooms at night. Although they are considered self-pollinating, hand pollination may be necessary if pollinator populations are poor in your area. I have never had an issue.
Harvesting Italian Squash
This squash can be used in two different ways. You can harvest when small for eating, about the size of your typical zucchini; or you can allow to grow and use as a gourd.
Watch the video to see which stage is best for you: