squash 'Vegetable Spaghetti'
squash or Cucurbita pepo
The vegetable that thinks it's a pasta! A big, pumpkin-like plant which scrambles vigorously across a wide area, this summer squash produces pale yellow fruits 20cm (8in) long, whose flesh separates out into spaghetti-like strands after cooking.
Cut squash 'Vegetable Spaghetti' in half and bake in its skin with garlic and butter, then scoop out the flesh with a fork for a deliciously fragrant side salad. The flowers are edible too, although you should use the male flowers and remove the pistil first. They are very tasty dipped in batter and then deep fried.
Cut squash 'Vegetable Spaghetti' in half and bake in its skin with garlic and butter, then scoop out the flesh with a fork for a deliciously fragrant side salad. The flowers are edible too, although you should use the male flowers and remove the pistil first. They are very tasty dipped in batter and then deep fried.
How to care for squash veg spaghetti:
Plant squash in a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, well-drained soil, ideally enriched with plenty of organic matter. Space plants around 1.5m (5ft) apart to allow room for sprawling vines, and water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the developing fruit clean.
Support young plants by checking for slugs and removing any damaged or diseased leaves. Feed lightly during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser or compost tea to encourage strong growth and abundant fruiting. Harvest summer squashes when the fruits are tender and still immature, picking regularly to encourage further production.
For autumn and winter cultivated varieties, leave fruits on the vine until the skin has hardened and the colour is fully developed, then cut carefully with a sharp knife, leaving a short stem attached for storage. Store winter squash in a cool, dry place for several months.
Support young plants by checking for slugs and removing any damaged or diseased leaves. Feed lightly during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser or compost tea to encourage strong growth and abundant fruiting. Harvest summer squashes when the fruits are tender and still immature, picking regularly to encourage further production.
For autumn and winter cultivated varieties, leave fruits on the vine until the skin has hardened and the colour is fully developed, then cut carefully with a sharp knife, leaving a short stem attached for storage. Store winter squash in a cool, dry place for several months.
Sowing instructions:
Sow two seeds, 2.5cm (1in) deep, in a 10cm (4in) pot in late spring in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill. Lay the seed vertically as if it is laid flat they may rot before germinating. Germination takes approx 10-14 days with temperatures at 68-78°F (20-25°C). Pot on seedlings as they row, then harden off carefully and plant out in a sunny, sheltered spot once all threat of frost has passed. Leave 1.5m (5ft) between each plant and protect from slugs. Harvest once the squash has coloured up and the skins have hardened in in the sun.
Eventual height:
0.45m
Eventual spread:
2m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets
approx 8 seeds
£2.79
In stock
(delivery within 2-3 working days)
(delivery within 2-3 working days)
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