Name: Organic 'Cocozelle' Zucchini Seeds
Brand: Gaia
SKU: GAI-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Organic open-pollinated heirloom seeds Cucurbitaceae

Gaia

Cucurbita pepo

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameCocozelle Zucchini; striped Italian summer squash

FamilyCucurbitaceae

GenusCucurbita

Speciespepo

CultivarCocozelle

TypeOrganic open-pollinated heirloom seeds

Botanical nameCucurbita pepo

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packetApproximately 4 seeds

Organic 'Cocozelle' Zucchini Seeds (Cucurbita pepo). This open-pollinated Italian heirloom produces elongated dark green fruit with light green stripes and slight ribbing. Its firm texture and gently nutty flavour distinguish it from ordinary green zucchini. Gaia describes a bush habit and recommends harvesting fruit at approximately 6 to 8 inches long. The packet contains approximately 4 seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada, and the lot label reports germination above 85%. Kew accepts Cucurbita pepo, an annual in the Cucurbitaceae family originating as a Mexican cultigen and introduced in Québec. It suits Canadian gardens well. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Gaia publishes no lot-specific sowing protocol or numbered maturity period. For summer squash, direct sow after the last frost when soil reaches at least 21°C, approximately 1/2 inch deep. Indoor starting is possible 3 to 4 weeks before planting in individual pots that limit root disturbance. Grow in full sun and fertile, warm, well-drained soil. Space bush plants 2 to 3 feet apart. Maintain even moisture and remove floating row covers when flowering begins so pollinating insects can reach the separate male and female flowers. Mulch after the soil warms. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds.

Harvest zucchini at 6 to 8 inches long while the skin remains tender, the striped colour is clear, and the flesh is firm. Frequent picking supports continued fruit formation. Use promptly or refrigerate for approximately 4 days. Its nutty flavour suits grilling, sautéing, gratins, soups, and raw ribbons. Freshly opened male flowers are also edible. Gaia publishes no numbered days to maturity for this lot, so use fruit length, tenderness, and appearance instead of an invented calendar date. Wash each fruit before preparation. Discard any fruit with unusually intense bitterness.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Annual

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Approximately 1.25 (13 mm (1/2 in)) according to University of Minnesota Extension

Spacing / density

0.6 to 0.9 m (2 to 3 ft) between bush plants

Germination temperature

Soil at least 21 °C (69.8 °F) for direct sowing.

Germination time

Lot-specific germination time not published by Gaia; the label reports a germination rate above 85%

Sowing period

Direct sow after the last frost when soil reaches at least 21°C; indoor starting is possible 3 to 4 weeks earlier

Propagation

Direct sowing preferred; short indoor start possible in individual pots

Growing method

For Cocozelle Zucchini; striped Italian summer squash, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Gaia publishes no lot-specific sowing method. For summer squash, direct sow after the last frost when soil reaches at least 21°C, approximately 1/2 inch deep. Approximately 1/2 in (1.25 cm) according to University of Minnesota Extension Soil at least 21°C for direct sowing Lot-specific germination time not published by Gaia; the label reports a germination rate above 85% Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Gaia publishes no lot-specific numbered pH range

Care level

Easy

Watering

Water deeply at soil level to maintain even moisture, especially during flowering and fruit enlargement. Allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings without letting plants wilt. Avoid keeping foliage constantly wet and adjust frequency for heat, wind, and drainage. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Soil type

Choose fertile, warm, loose, well-drained soil that retains even moisture without remaining saturated. Incorporate mature compost before sowing and avoid deep cultivation near plants because shallow roots are easily injured. Apply mulch only after soil has warmed. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before sowing and use balanced fertilizer according to soil fertility. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes abundant foliage without guaranteeing more fruit. Moderate feeding near the start of flowering can support production in poor soil. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Seasonal care

For Cocozelle Zucchini; striped Italian summer squash, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Gaia publishes no lot-specific sowing method. For summer squash, direct sow after the last frost when soil reaches at least 21°C, approximately 1/2 inch deep. Approximately 1/2 in (1.25 cm) according to University of Minnesota Extension Soil at least 21°C for direct sowing Lot-specific germination time not published by Gaia; the label reports a germination rate above 85% Harvest fruit at 6 to 8 inches long while the skin remains tender and flesh stays firm. Pick regularly to support continued production. The packet contains Approximately 4 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

Large container holding at least 50 to 75 L and 46 cm (18 in) deep per plant

Growing Cocozelle Zucchini; striped Italian summer squash in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. In-ground growing recommended; use a very large container of 40 L or more only with support and regular watering. Match the container to the plant's development and provide free drainage from planting onward. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Approximately 46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 in) in horticultural descriptions of the cultivar; Gaia publishes no lot-specific height

Width / spread

Allow approximately 61 to 91 cm (24 to 36 in) per bush plant

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Herbaceous

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Bushy, open, and vigorous

Edible parts

Young fruit and freshly opened male flowers; discard any unusually bitter fruit

Fruiting

The plant produces elongated dark green zucchini with light green stripes and slight ribbing. Harvest at approximately 6 to 8 inches while the skin remains tender and flesh stays firm. Frequent picking supports continued fruit formation and captures Cocozelle’s characteristic nutty flavour. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Choose the stage that suits your intended use.

Days to maturity

Gaia publishes no numbered maturity period; harvest tender fruit at approximately 6 to 8 inches

Harvest

Pick regularly at approximately 6 to 8 inches long while the skin is tender and flesh remains firm

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Gaia publishes no lot-specific companion-plant list. Place it in a warm-season vegetable garden with crops having similar heat, sunlight, and watering needs while preserving 2 to 3 feet around the plant. Keep flowers accessible to pollinating insects and prioritize crop rotation. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Garden use

In the garden, place Cocozelle Zucchini; striped Italian summer squash according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Harvest fruit at 6 to 8 inches long while the skin remains tender and flesh stays firm. Pick regularly to support continued production. The packet contains Approximately 4 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

For four servings with Cocozelle Zucchini; striped Italian summer squash, harvest about 500 g of edible material at the recommended stage. Rinse under potable water, remove damaged sections, and use a clean cutting board. Cut the crop into even pieces. Warm 30 ml of oil in a skillet or preheat the oven to 200°C, then cook until tender and lightly browned. Season with 15 ml of lemon juice or mild vinegar, a small pinch of salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Serve with a cooked grain or pulses. Adjust cooking time to the size of the pieces and the maturity of the harvest. Eat only the parts correctly identified as edible. Refrigerate leftovers in a closed container within two hours and use them promptly. Serve promptly to preserve the texture and aromas that distinguish this harvest. Taste before adding more salt so the variety’s own character remains at the centre of the dish. Use a clean board and utensils, then refrigerate promptly any portion that will not be served immediately.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Frequently asked questions

How long do 'Cocozelle' Zucchini seeds take to germinate?

For Cocozelle Zucchini; striped Italian summer squash, the stated germination period is Lot-specific germination time not published by Gaia; the label reports a germination rate above 85%, with a germination temperature of Soil at least 21°C for direct sowing. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.