squash 'Serpente di Sicilia'
Lagenaria vulgaris syn. Lagenaria longissima
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moist, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast
- Hardiness: half-hardy annual
A climbing, heritage variety of squash notable for its succulent, lime-green snake-like fruits traditionally grown in Sicily on wooden frames where it is known as cucuzzi. The young lateral growing shoots, 'tenerumi', can be boiled and eaten with pasta while the fruits are eaten roasted, mashed or in soups. The flavour of 'Serpente di Sicilia' is similar to a mild artichoke. The highly ornamental fruits, borne on heat-loving luxuriant climbing vines are preceded by large white flowers. - Growing instructions: Pre-soak seeds overnight and sow on their edge 2.5cm (1”) deep or two seeds to a 10cm pot from February in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill. Pot on seedlings as they grow, then harden off carefully and plant out in a sunny, sheltered spot once all threat of frost has passed. Leave 90cm between each plant and protect from slugs. Pinch out growth tips at approx 1.8m to limit leafy growth and allow the fruit to set. Grow over a frame
- Sow: February to May
- Harvest: July to October
- Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets