Yellow Crookneck Squash
Cucurbita Moschata
Yellow Crookneck Squash actually originated from Eastern North America!
Seed Harvesting Difficultly - Easy (Green)
Planting Difficulty - Easy (White)
Planting Instructions
Recommended time for planting is April-May
Make sure the ground will be at 65 degrees or higher.
Plant in a hole at-least an inch deep, spaced out 2-3 feet from other squash.
Cover lightly with soil and water well.
Growth Information
Germination period is from 3-10 days.
Should not need soil treatment, if in healthy soil.
Needs 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Needs to be heavily watered to ensure fast growing.
Estimated time until harvest is 60 days.
A Yellow Crookneck Squash is annual which means you will need to replant it every year!
Harvesting Tips
A Yellow Crookneck Squash will keep blooming until frost, rotting or disease.
Gently press your nail against the skin, if it creates an indentation it is ready to harvest!
Handle with caution when harvesting, due to the spines on the stem, wear gloves and use a knife to disconnect the stem from the squash.
Harvesting Seeds
Cut open the fruit, and scoop out the seeds, rinse under water to separate the seeds from the flesh.
Another option is to let the fruit rot, and drain the seeds, and rinse with water.
Allow the seeds to dry and keep in a dark, cold, air sealed environment.
Fun Facts
The U.S imports more Yellow Crookneck Squash than any other country.
One acre of land could produce up to 10000-11000 squash.
History of Yellow Crookneck Squash
Believed to be the oldest type of squash.
Did not reach Europe until the 19th century.
Health Benefits
May help stop plaque building up in arteries
Yellow Crookneck Squash contain antitoxins for humans.
Has been proved to help in eyesight.
The best zone to grow Yellow Crookneck Squash is in from zones (3-10). Due to the acceleration in growth in semi-warm climates.
Reference List
https://www.thespruce.com/yellow-squash-plant-profile-5185163