Pair of Tondo Scuro Di Piacenza Summer Squash on a white background.
Cut and whole Tondo Scuro Di Piacenza Summer Squash on a rustic plate with Italian money.
A couple of Tondo Scuro Di Piacenza Summer Squash on a weathered wood background.
Young sliced and whole Tondo Scuro Di Piacenza Summer Squash on a ceramic plate.
Pair of Tondo Scuro Di Piacenza Summer Squash on a white background.
Cut and whole Tondo Scuro Di Piacenza Summer Squash on a rustic plate with Italian money.
A couple of Tondo Scuro Di Piacenza Summer Squash on a weathered wood background.
Young sliced and whole Tondo Scuro Di Piacenza Summer Squash on a ceramic plate.

Summer Squash Seeds,
Tondo Scuro Di Piacenza

4.428 ReviewsSKU: #SSQ101Min. seed count: 20
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Description

(Cucurbita pepo). Forget the new “Eight Ball” hybrid. There already was an heirloom version. These are a rich, dark green color, round and very flavorful; perfect for home or markets. Vigorous plants produce well. Italian seed.

Growing Tips: Tondo Scuro di Piacenza is an Italian heirloom summer squash known for its deep green, round fruits and tender, flavorful flesh. This bush-type plant is ideal for small garden spaces and thrives in fertile, well-drained soil. Harvest fruits when young—around tennis ball size—for peak flavor and productivity. Regular harvesting encourages a continuous crop all season long.

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
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Direct sow Tondo Scuro di Piacenza seeds after the final spring frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 70°F. In shorter growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost and transplant when the weather is suitable. 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

Sow seeds 1 inch deep in fertile, well-draining soil with full sun exposure. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to allow airflow and healthy development. For earlier harvests, use biodegradable pots indoors and transplant after hardening off. Keep soil moist during germination and early growth stages to support strong seedlings.

How to Grow

Provide consistent moisture at the base of the plant and apply mulch to help retain soil moisture and reduce weeds. Fertilize monthly with compost or organic vegetable fertilizer. Harvest regularly at 3–4 inches in diameter for best texture. Monitor for common squash pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs and apply organic controls as needed.

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 the same species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.

  • Allow fruit to remain on the plant until it fully matures, the skin becomes hard, and the color deepens.
  • Harvest and cure squash in a warm, dry area for 2–3 weeks.
  • Cut open the fruit and scoop out seeds, removing attached pulp.
  • Wash seeds thoroughly and lay them out in a single layer to dry.
  • Dry seeds for 2–3 weeks in a well-ventilated space before storing.
  • Store seeds in a cool, dry container labeled with variety and date.

FAQ

How big should I let Tondo Scuro di Piacenza squash grow before harvesting?

Harvest fruits when they’re about the size of a tennis ball—around 3 to 4 inches in diameter—for the best flavor and texture. Larger fruits may become seedy and less tender.

Can Tondo Scuro di Piacenza be grown in containers?

Yes, its bush-type growth habit makes it well-suited for large containers or raised beds. Use nutrient-rich, well-draining soil and ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

What does Tondo Scuro di Piacenza taste like?

This variety has a mild, buttery flavor and firm, tender texture. It’s excellent for grilling, sautéing, or stuffing, and its round shape adds visual appeal to summer squash dishes.

Browse our full range of summer squash seeds.
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