Trombetta D'Albenga Squash (Cucurbita moschata), offered by the seed company Weston Seeds
🎭 A spectacular and tasty squash! 🎭
Trombetta D'Albenga squash is a unique Italian heirloom variety , known for its impressive fruits that can grow up to 36 inches (90 cm) long ! This climbing squash produces long, light green, cylindrical fruits , often curved in a spiral, that add a decorative touch to the vegetable garden.
💡 When young, it is tender and sweet, reminiscent of zucchini . Harvested later, its flesh becomes firmer with a slight nutty flavor . Even its sprouts are edible , offering an original alternative to leafy vegetables.
Features
Days to maturity: 75 to 80 days
Fruit size: 60 to 90 cm (24-36 inches)
Plant height: 25 to 30 cm (10-12 inches)
Spacing: 45 to 60 cm (18-24 inches)
Exposure: Full sun
Sowing: Indoor/direct
Quantity per pack: nd
Cultivation method
Trombetta D'Albenga squashes love heat and thrive in rich, organic, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 . Amend the soil with compost before planting to promote optimal growth.
Sow directly between late May and mid-June , at a depth of 2.5 cm (1 inch) . Form hills 2.4 m (8 feet) apart and plant 4 to 6 seeds per hill . Once the seeds have germinated, thin to 3 plants per hill .
If you prefer to start indoors , sow about 3 weeks before the last frost . Use biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing the roots when transplanting.
💡 Tip : Train plants up a sturdy trellis to save space and encourage long, well-formed fruits.
How to cook Trombetta D'Albenga squash?
🔹 Young (less than 50 cm / 20 inches) : Its tender texture and delicate taste make it an ideal alternative to zucchini. Sautéed with garlic and olive oil , in a gratin or in soup, it reveals all its sweetness.
🔹 Mature (over 50 cm / 20 inches) : Its flesh becomes denser and slightly sweet, perfect for soups, purees and stews .
🔹 The sprouts and young leaves can be cooked like spinach 🌿 and added to stir-fries or soups.
Why cultivate Trombetta D'Albenga?
🎭 A squash with a spectacular shape, which attracts all eyes!
🥗 Versatile in the kitchen, as good young as mature
🌿 Its young leaves and shoots are edible and nutritious
🌞 Easy to grow and very productive in warm climates
Bring a touch of originality to your vegetable garden and enjoy an abundant harvest with this exceptional Italian squash!
