Crookneck Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)

Crookneck Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo): ancient variety from the United Kingdom, named after its shape.

It is very productive and easy to grow. Thanks to its rusticity and earliness, it is possible to anticipate sowing and transplanting.  It tolerates low temperatures better than other zucchinis.

The plant has a bushy habit, it is not excessively vigorous, a space of 80 cm between the plants and 80 between the rows will be fine. It should be eaten like any other zucchini, when it is not completely ripe; to harvest the seeds, let it ripe completely and become bright orange (as in the picture).
Being very early, means it is suitable for short seasons, and its resistance to fungal diseases allows for cultivation even in rather humid climates with an average water requirement.

The "classic" zucchinis from Northern Europe, and some American states are more suitable for continental climates, and are very different from the Mediterranean and Asian ones. The former ones are smaller (12/15 cm), and have an earlier development, they are also more tolerant to low temperatures and fungal diseases; but they are less productive than Mediterreanean ones, thus we highlyecommend this zucchini for humid, cooler climates.