Maturity 48 days. Produces high yields of lemon-yellow slightly club shaped squash. Excellent quality squash. Best when harvested when 7"" long or smaller.
When to Plant: Plant your seeds directly in the garden after the last frost in spring. In Texas, this can range from late February to early April, depending on your specific location.
Sunlight: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: Squash prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant seeds about 1 inch deep. If planting in rows, space seeds 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 3 to 4 feet apart. For hill planting, sow 4 to 5 seeds in mounds (hills) spaced 4 feet apart.
Watering: Water the planting area thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination and growth.
Thinning: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to 2 to 3 feet apart, selecting the strongest plants.
Mulching: Apply mulch around your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing: Side-dress with a balanced fertilizer when the first blooms appear and again when you see small squash forming.
Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for common pests like squash bugs and diseases like powdery mildew. Use appropriate organic or chemical controls as needed.
Frequency: Water plants deeply once a week, more often during very hot, dry periods. Avoid wetting the leaves to reduce disease risk.
When to Harvest: Harvest prolific straightneck squash when they are young and tender, usually when they are 4 to 6 inches long. This can be about 50 to 60 days after planting.
How to Harvest: Cut the squash from the vine with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving a small piece of the stem attached.
Keep Picking: Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit throughout the season.