Description
“Chiffon” boasts all the qualities of a perfect summer squash. With high yields, it will produce nearly all summer, starting earlier than most varieties. Fruits grow on upright, compact bushes approximately 2 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide with moderate resistance to powdery mildew. The creamy-yellow skin is very delicate, lending to excellent flavor and texture. Summer squash can be picked extra small giving your dishes a high-class flare or picked at a more mature stage between 6-8 inches long.
Variety Info
Days to Maturity: 42 days
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Scientific Name: Cucurbita pepo (hybrid)
Native: North America
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions: Compact vines form a 2’ tall by 3’-4’ bush type plant.
Variety Info: 6”-8” long, cylindrical fruits with pale-yellow skin, and creamy white interior. “Chiffon” plants have moderate tolerance to powdery mildew.
Attributes:
- Frost-sensitive
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°-85°F.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended except in very short growing seasons, 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground. Transplant when soil temperature is at least 60°F.
Days to Emerge: 5-10 days
Seed Depth: 1/2”-1”
Seed Spacing: 3 seeds per mound
Row Spacing: 3’-4’
Thinning: When 3 leaves, thin to 1 plant per mound
Growing Info
Harvesting: Harvest frequently to increase yield; squash seem to get monstrous overnight. While edible at any size, seeds are less developed in young fruit, therefore more tender. Using a knife or clippers, cut squash off including some of the stem. By including stem, the fruit is sealed and less likely to mold or dry out. Harvesting Blossoms: Look for male, non-fruit producing flowers that have long stems and harvest just before use (female flowers have a swollen mini-squash at the base of the flower and shorter stems)
Notes
Plant 3 in 3 Inch Paper Pots