Organic 'Longue de Nice' squash

Organic 'Longue de Nice' squash (Cucurbita moschata) from the seed company Gaia, a spectacular, sweet and versatile French heritage variety

The Longue de Nice squash is a remarkable French heritage variety, known for its very elongated fruits , which can reach 90 cm (3′) in length and weigh up to 10 kg . Their skin changes from pale green to ochre as they ripen, encasing firm, slightly sweet and musky orange flesh of great culinary quality. Harvested young , it can be cooked like a zucchini; harvested mature , it is perfect for soups, purées, gratins, tarts , or roasting. The very vigorous plants require ample space to thrive.

Companion plants : Corn, Climbing beans, Peas, Radishes, Sunflowers, Parsley, Celery, Buckwheat, Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Oregano
Nefarious plants : Tomato, Eggplant, Potato, Pepper

Spread/Habit : Vigorous trailing plant
Plant height : 7 to 8 cm (creeping habit)
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Fruits can reach 3 inches in length, sweet musky flavor, usable young or ripe, very vigorous

Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Firm, sweet, slightly musky flesh
Cold tolerance : Not tolerant

Resistant to deer (undocumented → leave blank)

Farming method

Soak the seeds for a maximum of 24 hours in lukewarm water, then scarify to optimize 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).
Time to maturity: 100–110 days .

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest when the skin becomes rich ochre , very hard and the stain on the ground turns creamy yellow or orange.
Leave 2″ of stem to limit rot.
Allow to ripen in a warm, dry place before storing.
Optimal storage: 10–12 °C , humidity 55–75% , with good ventilation.

Usage ideas

• Young: such as sautéed, grilled, or zucchini in zoodles
• Blackberries: in soups , purées, gratins and savory tarts
• When roasted : development of sweet and musky aromas
• In autumn farces
• Cubed for stews and casseroles

The Longue de Nice squash is a spectacular, tasty and extremely versatile variety, perfect for generous vegetable gardens and cooks who love old squashes.