Costata Romanesco Zucchini

Costata Romanesco Zucchini, an Italian heirloom variety, is celebrated for its attractive strongly ribbed, flecked green skin, prolific yields of both fruit and male blossoms,  and exceptional flavor. This zucchini can be harvested at 6 to 12 inches in length, offering a creamy, nutty taste and a firm texture that makes it ideal for a variety of healthy dishes, from salads to stir-fries. Costata Romanesco Zucchini has been cultivated in Italy for centuries, valued for its flavor and versatility in traditional Italian cuisine. Its name "Costata" refers to the ribbed structure, while "Romanesco" points to its Roman heritage. Ideal for grilling, sauteing, or baking, Costata Romanesco also produces an abundance of male blossoms perfect for stuffing and frying. To prepare, simply slice the zucchini for fresh or cooked applications, or use the blossoms as a gourmet ingredient in your favorite recipes. This zucchini is not only delicious but also nutritious, being rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Also Known As: Italian Ribbed Zucchini, Romanesco Zucchini, Roman Zucchini, Also Known As: Romanesco Zucchini, Costata Zucchini, Italian Zucchini, Romanesco Squash, Ribbed Zucchini, Zucchini Costata, Striped Romanesco, Zucchina Romana, Romanesco Squash Zucchini, Zucchini Roma, Ribbed Italian Zucchini.

Plant Name:	Zucchini, Costata Romanesco
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.