A crookneck bred for its savory taste and superior texture. Tempest Summer Squash has a bright yellow exterior with gentle ridges and subtle white stripes that run the length of the 4-7 fruits. Its flesh has a higher starch content, making it less watery than other varieties, which translates to a pleasantly firm, drier texture with a light nutty flavor. Bushy, open-habit plants have soft spines for easy harvest.

10 seeds

PLANTING

Cucurbita pepo

Germination:4-10 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures are 70-85F

Seed Sowing Depth:1/2-1″ deep

Sowing Indoors:3-4 weeks before the last frost.Provide70-85Fsoil temperature.Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot.Sowing into individual biodegradable peat/cow pots reduces rootdamage when transplanting. Transplantafter the last frost,36-48″ apart.

Sowing Outdoors:Sow after the last frostwhen the soil temperature is over70F.Sow a few seeds every 36-48″.

How much does a packet plant:8-10foot single row,2-3 hills

Harvest:Check and harvest a few times a week. Cut or kindly twist off fruit, starting at 3-4.

Tips: Tempest Summer Squash needs fertile, well-drained soil, amended with compost, well-rotted manure, and/or added organic fertilizer. Keep well watered for optimum growth, mulching will help retain moisture. Use black plastic mulch and row covers for weed, insect control, and faster growth.