Summer Squash Seeds, Zucchino Rampicante
Cut and whole Zucchino Rampicante Summer Squash on a terra-cotta pizza stone with Italian money.
A little smiles as she holds an armful of Zucchino Rampicante Summer Squash in a squash field.
Whole and sliced Zucchino Rampicante Summer Squash arranged on dark copper background.
Zucchino Rampicante Summer Squash in the mature winter squash phase.
Summer Squash Seeds, Zucchino Rampicante
Cut and whole Zucchino Rampicante Summer Squash on a terra-cotta pizza stone with Italian money.
A little smiles as she holds an armful of Zucchino Rampicante Summer Squash in a squash field.
Whole and sliced Zucchino Rampicante Summer Squash arranged on dark copper background.
Zucchino Rampicante Summer Squash in the mature winter squash phase.

Summer Squash Seeds,
Zucchino Rampicante

4.7235 ReviewsSKU: #SSQ103Min. seed count: 15
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Description

(Cucurbita moschata). The famous Italian heirloom vining zucchini and pumpkin; long slender 15-inch fruit has a fat bulb at the bottom. It is one of the best eating summer squash; very tender, mild, and sweet tasting. The flavor is superb! This squash is also great as winter squash. The Italians use it for stuffing in gnocchi and ravioli; the flesh is rich and flavorful, great for baking and pies! The vines produce good yields of this great all-purpose squash. The mature fruit grow very long. This one is in very high demand at specialty markets.

Growing Tips: Zucchino Rampicante is a dual-purpose Italian heirloom squash grown for tender summer fruits or mature winter squash. With vigorous vining growth, it thrives on trellises or sprawling on the ground. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil and provide consistent watering. Harvest young for zucchini-like fruit or allow to ripen into long, curved, tan-skinned winter squash with dense, sweet flesh.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita moschata
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
60–70
Planting Depth
1 in.
Plant Spacing
36–60 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Direct sow Zucchino Rampicante seeds outdoors after the last frost when soil is at least 75°F. In shorter-season areas, start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks early and transplant once temperatures are warm. Because of its long growing season, early planting is key. 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 well-drained, nutrient-rich soil in full sun. Space plants 36 to 60 inches apart or plant in hills spaced 4–6 feet apart. Trellising helps manage growth and improves airflow. If starting indoors, transplant after danger of frost and harden off seedlings gradually to prevent shock.

How to Grow

Water regularly at the base and mulch to retain moisture. Fertilize monthly with compost or balanced organic fertilizer. Train vines vertically or allow to sprawl in larger gardens. Harvest young fruits at 10–12 inches for tender summer squash or leave to mature into winter squash with hard skin. Monitor for squash vine borers and other pests.

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 fully mature on the vine until the skin is hard and tan.
  • 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

What is the difference between Zucchino Rampicante and regular zucchini?

Rampicante is a vining Cucurbita moschata with a longer growing season, dual use as summer or winter squash, and sweeter flavor. Regular zucchini is a bush-type C. pepo with quicker maturity.

Can Zucchino Rampicante be trellised?

Yes, and it benefits greatly from vertical growing. Trellising supports the long vines, improves air circulation, saves space, and helps produce straighter fruits with less ground contact.

When is the best time to harvest Zucchino Rampicante squash?

Harvest young fruits at 10–12 inches for tender, zucchini-like use, or leave them on the vine to mature into long, tan-skinned winter squash with sweet, dense flesh and good storage quality.

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