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Summer Squash Seeds, Inizia
Whole and cut Inizia Summer Squash with blooms on a white background.
Inizia Summer Squash with blooms and slices stacked up on a white background.
Inizia Summer Squash with blooms and slices resting on a white background.
A single Inizia Summer Squash with a bloom attached to the fruit on a white background.
Inizia Summer Squash with blooms and slices on a light background with a ruler.
Summer Squash Seeds, Inizia
Whole and cut Inizia Summer Squash with blooms on a white background.
Inizia Summer Squash with blooms and slices stacked up on a white background.
Inizia Summer Squash with blooms and slices resting on a white background.
A single Inizia Summer Squash with a bloom attached to the fruit on a white background.
Inizia Summer Squash with blooms and slices on a light background with a ruler.

Summer Squash Seeds,
Inizia

44 ReviewsSKU: #SSQ144
Price
Regular price $4.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $4.00
Save $-4
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Min. 20 seeds

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Description

(Cucurbita pepo). Named for the Italian word meaning “it begins,” Inizia launches your season with vigor and grace. From robust, open plants emerge sleek, extra-dark fruit that outshines any modern hybrid in uniformity and beauty. Remarkably early, Inizia sets large squash even before the flower opens, making them ideal for harvesting baby zucchini complete with their blossoms. With plants that keep pushing fresh young leaves alongside each picking, you’ll enjoy a steady, generous yield of long, slender, glossy-skinned squash perfect for stuffing, slicing, or simply grilling. Dependable, elegant, and endlessly productive, this is zucchini at its very best.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita pepo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Bush
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
50–60
Planting Depth
1 in.
Plant Spacing
24–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Sow Inizia seeds outdoors only after the threat of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 70 °F—typically late spring to early summer. In cooler regions, consider starting indoors and transplanting later to ensure a strong start. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Direct-seed into warm soil (70 °F or above), placing seeds 1 inch deep in rows or hills spaced 24–36 inches apart. Plant two to three seeds per spot and thin to the strongest seedling after germination. Firm the soil gently around the seed and water thoroughly. For earlier harvest in short seasons, sow indoors two to four weeks before the last frost and transplant when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50 °F.

How to Grow

Once seedlings are established, mulch around the base to retain moisture and control weeds. Apply balanced organic fertilizer at bloom onset. Monitor regularly for pests like squash vine borer and treat early signs of powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting foliage. Harvest frequently when fruits reach optimal size to prolong production and encourage more blooms.

How to Save Seeds

Note that there are four different species of squash: Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata, and C. mixta. They will not cross pollinate with each other, so it is possible to grow one of each species for seed saving without worrying about cross pollination. If you are planning to save seeds from several varieties of one species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.

  • Allow fruit to fully mature on the vine until the skin is hard.
  • Harvest mature squash and cure in a warm, dry space for 3-4 weeks.
  • Cut open the fruit and scoop out seeds.
  • Rinse seeds to remove all pulp and residue.
  • Spread seeds out in a single layer to dry in a well-ventilated area for 2–3 weeks.
  • Store dried seeds in a labeled, airtight container in a cool, dry place.

FAQ

How do I know when Inizia squash is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are firm and tender-skinned at about 6 to 8 inches long, or at 4 to 6 inches long for baby zucchini with the blossom still attached; pick every day or two, as overripe fruit has tougher rind and diminishes plant productivity.

Can I grow Inizia in containers or small spaces?

Yes—Inizia’s compact habit makes it suitable for large containers or raised beds, provided you maintain warm soil, good drainage, and adequate spacing for airflow.

What’s the best way to avoid blossom end rot on Inizia squash?

Ensure consistent soil moisture, add calcium-rich amendments like lime or eggshell to soil, and avoid damaging roots when cultivating to prevent blossom end rot.

Browse our full range of summer squash seeds.

Customer reviews

4 / 5 4 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Sweet, firm flesh: Sweet and tender raw or cooked; flesh stays firm in the pan.

  • Heavy producer: Plants put out lots of squash once they get going.

  • Fast, vigorous growth: Grows quickly, even in outdoor hydroponics.

  • Beats the old standards: Won a taste test against Black Beauty, raw and cooked.

  • Heads up: Early flowers can be all male, so fruit may be slow to set.

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