C. pepo. The large, open, bushy heirloom plant produces distinctively ribbed Italian heirloom zucchini 30-40cm (12-16″). Fruit are long with pale green flecks and ribs on dark, grayish green skin. Romanesco zucchini seeds produce fruits that have a very pleasant nutty taste and a presence that transcends the world of ordinary zucchini. Technically, Romanesco is a type of cocozelle squash, as it develops a bulbous end – zucchinis are traditionally evenly thick along their length. Some sources list this old variety as Costata Romanesca, or “ribbed Roman.” In Italy it is picked early at 15cm (6″) long, with the flower still attached. The vines of this variety are a little longer than other summer squash.
Matures in 55 days. (Open-pollinated seeds)
[description action=”end”][quickfacts action=”start quickfacts”]- Pleasant nutty taste
- Distinct 30-40cm (12-16″) zucchini
- Pale green ribs on dark green skin
- Open-pollinated seeds
- Matures in 55 days