Cocozelle Zucchini

Cocozelle Zucchini is a fabulous striped zucchini with glossy green fruit and white-yellow streaks. This Italian heirloom zucchini variety combines the best of both worlds: a rich, tender texture and a beautiful, striped appearance. Featuring dark green skin and light green striping, and snappy, firm white flesh and crisp flavor, this heirloom zucchini adds visual interest to your garden and plate. Existing since 1885, this variety is reliable and heavy-yielding, providing a more substantial bite and a richer flavor compared to typical zucchini varieties that holds up well in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries and sautes to grilling and baking. Use the beautiful large summer squashes whole for halving and stuffing into zucchini boats or zoodling. This variety is also known for its resistance to common pests and diseases, making it a reliable option for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether you’re growing it for its culinary versatility or its ornamental beauty, Cocozelle is a versatile and sophisticated addition to your summer harvest.

Also Known As: Cocozella di Napoli, Costata Romanesco, Italian Striped Zucchini, Italian Zucchini, Cocozella, Cocozelle Squash, Italian Summer Squash, Zucchino, Romanesco Zucchini, Green Zucchini, Heirloom Zucchini, Zucchini Verde, Mediterranean Zucchini.

Plant Name:	Zucchini, Cocozelle
Latin Name:	Curcubita pepo
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	55
Plant Height:	2 - 3 Feet
Spread:	3 - 4 Feet
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	3-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Zucchini grows best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 4 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Plant zucchini in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil begins to warm. If fall planting, plant 8-10 weeks before the average first date in your area. Planting early ensures zucchini will mature before the first killing frost. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 2-3 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-3 seeds per hole, planting 2-3 seeds if choosing to thin to the strongest plant. When thinning, wait until seedlings grow 1-2 sets of leaves before determining the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	4-6 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants enough to keep them from wilting. If the weather is really dry, water zucchini plants at least once a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping zucchini plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: When blooms first appear, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of fertilizer around each hole, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Harvest zucchini when squash are 6-8 inches long, typically 45-55 days after planting, for the best texture and flavor. Larger zucchinis tend to become seedy and tough, so picking them at the right stage ensures a tender, sweet taste. To harvest, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the zucchini about an inch above the stem, rather than twisting or pulling, to avoid damaging the plant. A zucchini plant can have multiple harvests throughout the growing season. Regular harvesting - every 1-2 days - encourages the plants to produce more squash throughout the season. Leaving zucchinis on the vine too long signals the plant to stop producing.