This heirloom gourd is prominent in Italian cooking.
Growing Cucuzza squash is very similar to growing any othersummer squashorgourd.
A trellis is essential because the vining plant can reach lengths longer than 10 yards.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
If you want blemish-free, straight produce, trellising is a must.
The soil must be warm before you plant cucuzza squash as it is easily damaged by frost.
Seedlings are nearly impossible to find in a garden center so most are grown from seeds.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The planting site should receive full sun or at least six to eight hours of sun per day.
The vines are prolific growers and need room to grow and spread.
The vine will be harmed by frost and the mature gourds should be harvested once the vine is dead.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Soil
The soil should be loamy, fertile, and have a neutral pH.
Mulching the plants will help conserve moisture and keeps the fruits cleaner if you don’t trellis the vines.
The plants require over an inch of moisture per week during peak development.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Temperature and Humidity
Cucuzza squash is a tender annual and easily damaged by frost.
Do not plant seed until the soil temperature reaches at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The vines are tolerant of high humidity but not arid conditions unless given sufficient water.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
However, too much fertilizer will give you more vines and fewer flowers and fruit.
The white male flowers appear first, usually blooming at night, followed by female flowers.
The female flowers have a small gourd shape beneath the petals and stay open for only one day.
Types of Cucuzza Squash
Cucuzza squash (Lagenaria siceraria), has no other cultivars or varieties.
It is not commercially cultivated and is localized to home gardens and specialty growers.
Seeds are often passed along from neighbor to neighbor.
Harvesting Cucuzza Squash
How you harvest Cucuzza squash depends on how you plan to use it.
Harvest the squash before it reaches 12 inches in length for the best texture and flavor.
Whole, unwashed Cucuzza can be wrapped in plastic, refrigerated, and used within a few days.
The squash can also be cut into slices, blanched, and frozen in a freezer bag.
To cure gourds, start by washing off any soil.
Wipe the gourds with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove mold spores, bacteria, and pests.
Lay them on a mesh surface to dry.
Do not allow the gourds to touch.
Turn the gourds regularly to promote even drying.
Most will cure in four to six weeks.
Once they are completely dry, the gourds will be very lightweight and the seeds will rattle inside.
TheLagenariagourds are considered utilitarian gourds that can be made into birdhouses, dippers, or bottles.
If you cannot plant directly into the garden, you canstart the seed indoorsto grow seedlings for planting.
Plant in a large pot so the plant does not need to be disturbed during the growing season.
Overwintering
Cucuzza squash is treated as an annual plant in the garden or in containers.
Overwintering should not be attempted.
Once the gourds are harvested, pull up the vine and add it to the compost pile.
Cucuzza squash vines grow quickly and vigorously with both male and female blossoms on a single vine.
They do require trellising to produce unblemished vegetables.
You should be able to harvest the first tender Cucuzza squash within 60 days after planting the seeds.
The fully-grown gourds are harvested 90 to 130 days after planting.
Cucuzza is an annual vine that does not return the next year.
When the growing season is complete, pull up the vine and add it to the compost pile.
Ornamental gourds.University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
