Zucchini Seeds - Summer - Bush - Caserta

Name: Zucchini Seeds - Summer - Bush - Caserta
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: SSQ12
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Early Italian heirloom zucchini with striped green skin and rich, nutty flavor on compact, productive plants.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: SSQ12

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Caserta Zucchini is a classic summer squash variety known for its bushy growth habit, making it an excellent choice for small garden spaces. Typically reaching maturity in about 55 days, this heirloom cultivar produces cylindrical fruits that grow to about 6-8 inches in length. Their striking light green skin is adorned with dark green stripes, creating an appealing visual contrast that stands out in any garden setting.

The flavor of Caserta Zucchini is tender and mild, with a subtle sweetness that shines when grilled, sautéed, or added to stir-fries. Its firm flesh holds up well to cooking, making it versatile for a variety of culinary applications. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production and enjoy a bountiful yield throughout the summer months.

Gardeners will appreciate the vigor and productivity of this zucchini, which thrives in warm weather and full sun. With its compact growth, Caserta Zucchini is easy to manage and an ideal choice for those looking to maximize their garden's output without sacrificing space. Enjoy the delightful taste and visual appeal of this enduring summer squash favorite.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

Life Cycle

Annual

Scientific Name

Cucurbita pepo var. giromontiina

Maturity

50-59 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

In-ground bed, Raised bed, Greenhouse, High Tunnel, Community garden, Containers, Vertical

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Caserta Zucchini' (Cucurbita pepo)Insects & MitesSquash Bugs (Anasa tristis)Controls: Handpick adults and nymphs early in the morning. Use row covers to protect young plants. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to control nymphs. Encourage beneficial insects like tachinid flies and parasitic wasps by planting nectar-rich flowers nearby.Cucumber Beetles (Acalymma vittatum and Diabrotica undecimpunctata)Controls: Use floating row covers to exclude beetles. Apply kaolin clay as a deterrent. Introduce beneficial nematodes to target larvae in the soil. Rotate crops to prevent overwintering.Spider Mites (Tetranychus urticae)Controls: Increase humidity around plants and regularly spray with water. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis to control populations.DiseasesPowdery Mildew (Podosphaera xanthii)Controls: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate sprays at the first sign of disease. Remove and destroy infected leaves to reduce spread.Downy Mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis)Controls: Use resistant varieties and practice crop rotation. Apply copper-based fungicides as a preventative measure. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overhead watering to reduce humidity.Bacterial Wilt (Erwinia tracheiphila)Controls: Control cucumber beetles, which spread the disease, using row covers and insecticides. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately. Practice crop rotation and sanitation to prevent recurrence.Physiological & Environmental IssuesBlossom End RotCauses: Calcium deficiency often due to irregular watering.Controls: Maintain consistent soil moisture levels. Mulch to retain soil moisture. Test soil and amend with lime if calcium is low.SunscaldCauses: Excessive sun exposure, especially during hot weather.Controls: Provide shade during peak sunlight hours. Ensure adequate foliage cover by maintaining healthy plant growth.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases.- Use row covers to protect against insect pests.- Maintain good garden hygiene by removing debris and weeds.- Rotate crops annually to prevent disease buildup.- Ensure consistent watering and proper soil nutrition.- Encourage beneficial insects by planting companion flowers.

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Caserta Zucchini, the esteemed summer squash, emerges from the sun-drenched gardens of Italy, where it has been cultivated for generations as a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. The name Caserta is a nod to its Italian roots, specifically the province of Caserta in the Campania region, renowned for its fertile soils and agricultural bounty. This variety of zucchini is celebrated for its distinctive ribbed skin and vibrant green hue, which evoke the lush landscapes of its homeland.For centuries, Caserta Zucchini has been cherished in Italian kitchens, not only for its tender flesh and mild, nutty flavor but also for its versatility and nutritional benefits. Italian cooks have long incorporated it into a myriad of dishes, from classic ratatouille and caponata to fresh salads and savory frittatas. During the bountiful summer months, the zucchini is often grilled or sautéed, its subtle sweetness enhancing the flavors of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. In rural communities, the plant's blossoms are delicacies in their own right, stuffed with ricotta or lightly battered and fried to golden perfection.Though it thrived quietly in Italian gardens for generations, the wider world began to embrace Caserta Zucchini in the 20th century as part of the global appreciation for Mediterranean cuisine. Its adaptability to different climates and soils allowed it to spread across continents, becoming a beloved summer squash variety in home gardens and farmers' markets worldwide. The zucchini's ease of cultivation and prolific yield made it a favorite among gardeners, while its culinary versatility ensured its place in kitchens far beyond Italy.Caserta Zucchini also holds botanical intrigue. It belongs to the species Cucurbita pepo, a diverse group that includes pumpkins, gourds, and other squashes. This species' rich genetic heritage is evident in the Caserta variety's robust growth habit and resistance to common pests and diseases. Its ribbed texture and firm flesh are distinguishing characteristics that set it apart from other zucchinis, making it a prized variety for both culinary and horticultural enthusiasts.Although newer zucchini cultivars have emerged with varying colors and shapes, the Caserta Zucchini remains a classic choice, revered for its traditional flavor and historical significance. It is the squash that connects modern culinary trends with age-old Italian traditions, appearing in contemporary recipes and gourmet creations.Yet in its homeland, Caserta Zucchini is more than a culinary ingredient. It is a cultural emblem, tied to the land and people of Italy, a living testament to agricultural heritage and culinary artistry. To grow Caserta Zucchini today is to partake in a narrative that spans rustic Italian kitchens and global dining tables, honoring both the ancestral farmers who first nurtured its growth and the modern chefs who continue to celebrate its legacy.

Shipped from U.S.A.

Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

Triple tested

We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

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