Organic 'Genovese' squash
Organic 'Genovese' squash (Cucurbita pepo) from the seed company Gaia, a tender, creamy and remarkably productive Italian squash
The 'Genovese' squash is a heritage variety of Italian origin, highly prized for its light green fruit with creamy , sweet, and slightly nutty flesh. It is best harvested young , when it measures 15 to 20 cm (6–8″) , at which point its texture is most tender and its flavor most delicate. Perfect for grilling , stir-fries , or making delicious zoodles , this squash offers great culinary versatility. The bushy, compact plants are very productive and exhibit good resistance to common pests , ensuring a reliable harvest throughout the season.
Companion plants : Corn, Climbing beans, Peas, Radishes, Sunflowers, Parsley, Celery, Buckwheat, Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Oregano
Nefarious plants : Tomato, Eggplant, Potato, Pepper
Spread/Habit : Compact and productive clump
Plant height : 45 to 60 cm (18–24″)
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Creamy flesh, sweet/nutty flavor, ideal for early harvest, very productive compact plants, good resistance to pests
Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Tender, creamy, slightly sweet and nutty
Cold tolerance : Not tolerant
Resistant to deer (undocumented → left blank)
Farming method
Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for a maximum of 24 hours , then scarify to promote germination.
Start the seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost. Transplant outdoors in late May–early June , when the soil reaches 25°C .
Sow at a depth of 2.5 cm (1″) .
Spacing: 38–45 cm between plants, 60–90 cm between rows.
Install in full sun (level 3) with moderate watering (level 2).
Germination in 7 to 10 days between 25 and 32 °C (optimum 27–35 °C).
Maturity: 50–55 days , a very early variety.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest young, at 6–8″ , for perfect flavor and texture.
For fully ripe fruit:
• tough skin that resists nailing
• uniform color
• stain on the ground turning cream, gold or orange
Leave 2″ of stem to limit rot.
Ripen in a dry, warm place before storing.
Store at 10–12 °C with 55–75% humidity .
Usage ideas
• In Mediterranean barbecues
• As zoodles for a light alternative to pasta
• Sautéed with garlic, lemon and herbs
• In creamy velvet soups
• In Italian stuffings or gratins
The 'Genovese' squash is a reliable, tender and tasty variety, perfect for summer kitchens and vegetable gardens seeking productivity and culinary finesse.
