Zucchini Jade, Gold & Emerald – Renee’s Garden

Cucurbita pepo

Tricolor Zucchini

EXCLUSIVE –Renee’smixed seed packet offers an easy way to grow 3 different colored, extra-fancy zucchinis. Plump pastel green Salman is creamy and tender stuffed or baked; glossy dark green Raven is sweet and succulent steamed or sauted, and the buttercup yellow fruits of Golden Delight are delicate and nutty.

Seeds are color coded with USDA food grade stain to distinguish varieties. Be sure to plant some of each for show stopping harvests.

Pink seed =Salman F-1

Undyed seed =Golden Delight F-1

Green seed =Raven F-1

Seed Count: Approx. 20-25/ Weight: 3 g

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

Zucchinisneeds full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and night temperatures stay above 50F (10C).Sow 2 to 3 seeds, 1 in. deep, every 2 ft., in rows 3 ft. apart. Thin to leave only 1 seedling every 2 ft. Or, plant in slightly mounded hills, 2 ft. in diameter, sowing 5 or 6 seeds in each hill. Thin hill-planted seedlings to 2 or 3 strongest plants.

GROWING NOTES

Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded.Be sure to thin properly – you will have more productive, disease-free plants if seedlings have enough room to mature.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest zucchini when no more than 5 to 6 in. long for best flavor and tenderness. Frequent harvesting keeps plants producing tasty new fruits instead of maturing fat, tough, huge ones. Steam, stir-fry or grill sliced zucchinis and sprinkle with fresh parsley, dill, basil or thyme. Try the tasty blossoms sauted or stuffed and baked. Heap a platter with spears of all 3 coloured zucchinis picked at baby size and serve with your favorite dip for nutty tasting, crunchy appetizers or snacks.