Hello, fellow gardeners! Welcome to my blog. If you're here, you're probably looking to expand your gardening skills and explore new, exciting crops. Today, I'm thrilled to share a comprehensive guide on cultivating a unique and stunning squash variety known as Tromboncino Rampicante. This variety is not only versatile but also incredibly resilient and productive.
Watch the video version of this guide on my YouTube channel
Why Grow Tromboncino Rampicante?
If you're searching for a squash that's both hearty and multifaceted, Tromboncino Rampicante might just be your perfect addition. It can be harvested in two ways: early, when it’s green and a brilliant substitute for zucchini, or left on the vine to mature into a tan, butternut squash-like delicacy.
Trpmboncino rampicante harvested in its young green stage to be used like summer squash.
Tromboncino Rampicante stands out due to its impressive resilience. It belongs to the Cucurbita moschata family, which is known for its thick, woody stems and tough leaves that resist pests and diseases better than other varieties of squash.
How to Start Growing Tromboncino Rampicante
Sowing Seeds: Direct sow seeds after your last spring frost date. Simply place two to three seeds in a mound about two feet apart. If you want a head start, consider sowing seeds indoors six weeks prior. I like to plant 2 seeds in a solo cup with drainage holes cut out of the bottom to sow tromboncino rampicante squash indoors. They grow fast and a solo cup is the perfect size to house the seedling for the duration of its growth period.
Transplanting: When your seedlings mature and develop a solid root system, you can transplant them to your garden. Plant in a full sun spot where they can get at least 8 hours of sunlight daily. Add some fertilizer into the planting hole. I really like to use an organic granular fertilizer like Espoma Garden Tone. Pop the transplant into the hole and water it in.
Trellising: Tromboncino rampicante can be grown on the ground. However, the long squash will curl instead of staying straight. For this reason, I highly reccomend growing tromboncino rampicante on a trellis. Not only will this help the fruits growth straight, but it also reduces incidence of pests and diseases.
Watering and Soil: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Tromboncino thrives in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Adding organic matter and following a consistent fertilizing schedule will boost growth.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Though robust, Tromboncino isn't entirely immune to pests. The notorious pickle worm can pose a threat, so early intervention with organic treatments like BT spray or spinosad is recommended. I like to use a hand pump sprayer with a fine mist nozzel to spray BT or spinosad because it offers more control. Only spray the affected plants. Do not spray flowers as BT and spinsad can kill beneficial insects and pollinators. Also, wait to spray until the evening time when all of the pollinators have left for the day.
Powdery mildew is another common issue. Spray with 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water to clean and disinfect the leaves. This is an effective treatment against mold and fungus pathogens that cause plant diseases. I use this hose end sprayer to quickly cover the foilage with hydrogen peroxide spray.
Hand Pollination To Increase Production
One trick to boost your Tromboncino harvest is hand pollination. By manually transferring pollen from male to female flowers, you can ensure successful fruit development and plentiful yields.
Harvesting Tromboncino Rampicante
This remarkable squash can be harvested green for a zucchini-like texture or allowed to mature into a tan, sweet, and fleshy butternut squash. The decision is yours, depending on your culinary preferences.
Recipes
Just one harvested tromboncino rampicante squash is enough for several meals. Below are a few recipe videos to give you ideas on how to use Tromboncino Rampicante.
How to make zucchni noodles HERE
How to make bacon and butternut squash pasta HERE