(C. maxima) The city of Mantova, in the province of Lombardy in Northern Italy, is a picturesque center of culture and cuisine. The surrounding plains stretching across the Po river valley into Emilia Romagna form much of the northern bread basket of Italy, home to many of the famous Italian cured meats, cheeses like Grana Padano, Gorgonzola, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, and large tracts of vegetable production. Also known locally as “Bishops Hat” and “Berrettina Piacentina,” this beautiful slate blue turban-type squash features prominently in a typical dish from the city and its surroundings, Tortelli di zucca: ravioli stuffed with an interesting and delicious flavor mix of winter squash, mustard oil infused preserved quince, and ground up amaretto cookies. If you dare defy tradition, however, the squash has a lovely, rich flavor and thick texture also suitable for gnocchi, or roasting and adding to autumnal grain and chicory salads. The medium-sized 5-8 pound fruits grow on vigorous, sprawling vines. It's one of the most beautiful squashes we grow. 100 days. UO, WG
Sow indoors 3-4 weeks before your last frost date. Keep soil moist, but not soaking, before emergence, growing at 70F. A growing medium that is too wet and cold will cause the seeds to rot.
Transplant out 1-3 weeks after your last frost date when the soil has sufficiently warmed.
Direct sow 2-3 weeks after the last frost when soil is 70F+.
Note: Even deep watering keeps these plants thriving.
PLANTING DEPTH:
1/2"-1"
SPACING:
18-24" at 5' between rows.
EMERGENCE:
3-7 days @ soil temp 65-85F
LIGHT:
Full sun
FERTILITY:
Moderate. Prefers well-drained, evenly moist, and well-balanced fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Be gentle while transplanting to keep the root system undisturbed.
Row cover may be used to provide extra warmth, possible earlier fruit set, and prevent insect damage. Remove as plants begin to flower and require pollinator visits!
Good airflow and well-drained soil can help prevent disease.
Handle gently during harvest and sun cure with good ventilation.
Good ventilation and temperatures between 50-60F and relative humidity between 50-70% are the best for storage.
