Cucurbita pepo ‘Ronde de Nice’
(kew-KUR-beh-tah PEP-oh)
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Common name: Zucchini ‘Ronde de Nice’
Zone: 3 – 11
Height: 30 – 36 in (76-90cm) Spread: 30 in (76cm)
Aspect: full sun (minimum 6 hours)
Soil: fertile; moisture-retentive; well-draining
Water: regular
Days to Maturity: 55 – 60 days
Seed Life: 2 – 5 years (Most resources state seed retains good viability for 5 years; some state 4, some 4 – 6, some 3 – 5, and one listed seed only viable for 2 years.)
Description: Small, round fruits are produced on a compact, bush-type plant. Flesh is tender with a delicious flavour. Skin is light green with light stripes and sprinkled with flecks of white. It is thin and can bruise relatively easily which is why this zucchini is not suitable for mass production.
Special Notes: This zucchini is a French heirloom variety which was introduced to North America in early 1850s. Fruits are best harvested when they reach about 3 inches (7.6 cm). Left until they are 4 inches (10 cm) or bigger, makes them great for stuffing. Use this zucchini as you would any other zucchini variety.
How to Grow: Prepare the planting area by digging a hole roughly 12 inches (30 cm) deep and filling it with well-aged manure. Place soil from the dug hole overtop, mounding it about 6 to 8 inches 15 – 20 cm) high. This will increase drainage as well as keep the squash plants well-fed.
For an early start, sow seeds indoors about 4 weeks before your last frost date or direct sow in the ground from mid-May through to mid-June. If growing seedlings indoors, harden them off for 1 – 2 weeks before transplanting them outside. Allow 30 inches (76 cm) between plants.
Special Growing Notes: Select planting site carefully. ‘Ronde de Nice’ zucchini prefer full sun, but they will do well with a minimum of 6 hours. Direct seed outdoors when soil temperature reaches 21 °C (70 °F) and soil is partially moist but not soggy. Wet soil may promote fungus growth on seeds and rot them. Allow about 30 inches (76 cm) between plants. Also allow for good air flow between plants to discourage powdery mildew.
Germination takes 4 – 10 days. Watch for slugs, snails and cutworms once seedlings emerge from the ground.
From direct seeding ‘Ronde de Nice’ zucchini matures in roughly 55 – 60 days after plant starts to bloom…or from date of transplanting indoor seedlings into the ground. Harvest fruits when they reach about 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter. Cut ripe squash off the plant with a knife, being sure to leave a portion of stem intact. Store unwashed zucchini in a ventilated plastic bag in the crisper for 4 to 5 days. If not using within that time, process for freezing
How to Use: ‘Ronde de Nice’ zucchini may be baked, steamed, fried and sautéed. It does not require any peeling. This squash is highly nutritious; a good source of fibre, vitamins A, C and B9, as well as calcium, potassium, iron, riboflavin and thiamine. Also contains antioxidants.
Pests & Diseases: Potential insect pests include: aphids, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, stink bugs, cutworms and squash vine borers. Slugs and snails could also be problematic. Some diseases to watch out for are: bacterial wilt, fusarium wilt, blossom end rot, downy mildew and powdery mildew.
Posted on August 17, 2024
