This gourd, which tastes and looks more like the squash commonly known as zucchini, is "Sicilian cucuzza". It grows on a downy-soft vine that seems to love the desert heat. But the truly delightful feature is that cucuzza is Italian for "crazy". Now, that's cucuzza, man.
Hi, my name is Pietro Amoroso. I've been trying to grow cucuzza here in Phoenix for 3 years. I've been unsuccessful so far. Any tips?
ReplyDeleteHey Pietro- I will ask Santi for some tips and get back to you . . . what time of year do you plant the seeds? Do they sprout? I do know that Santi's soil is very rich in organic material. I'll see what I can find out.
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ReplyDeleteHi Bailly,
ReplyDeleteI usually plant them after the last frost day here in Phoenix. My grandfather before he passed away grew them so well. He was also having a hard time. Unfortunately he passed right before harvesting. So I never learned what he did. I want to carry that Italian tradition going for my children. I've planted during different parts of the year. Full sun, partial shade. I tried growing one in a 8 gallon pot. I've tried everything and kinda losing hope... but this picture raises my confidence that it can be done. :) They sprout well... however they never seem to create an abundance of the female flower nor male fruit... We have a trellis for them to grow on. We use a lot of organic material as well... but maybe not enough? Thank you again! This would mean so much to me and my Italian family here! :D
Hi Pietro
ReplyDeleteThanks for the detailed reply.
Pollination is the key. Many times, as Santi and I have walked around his garden, I have seen him grab a squash flower and hand pollinate. He does it so routinely that to him, it is as automatic a gesture as pulling a weed or dead heading a flower.
The following website contains great info and pics on hand pollination of gourds.
I don't know how to insert a hyperlink here, so copy and paste this website address into your browser: http://www.seedman.com/gourdpol.htm
I wouldn't bother with the last tip about covering the pollinated flower-- too fussy. I didn't know about pruning the vine back to encourage more (female) flowering, but it makes sense. Also, Santi uses the "kissing" method. He does this anytime it is convenient (I don't think he comes out to the garden at sunset). He has abundant harvests.
Drop me a line sometime and let me know your results. Good luck!
Deb
Hi Deb,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info! Problem is we didn't get enough of either flower. Maybe I am not using enough organic material? This year we didn't have 1 male flower. Do you know by a chance on how Santi prepares the soil? Also does he trim the leader (the mother)? or the kids? (side sprouts)? Thank you again :)
Still working on some answers to your last set of questions, Pietro.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb,
ReplyDeleteDid you ever get the chance to talk to Mr. Santi?
Thanks :D
Hi Pietro
ReplyDeleteAfter taking a very long break from the garden, yesterday I returned and I saw Santi. We talked about the cucuzza and he had this advice:
Overnight lows need to be above 50 to get the seeds started.
Soak the seeds overnight before planting.
They need a lot of room to grow- 1 plant every 3 feet.
They grow well in the heat but may suffer if near a hot wall or fence.
As far a s soil preparation, he uses steer manure and composted plant matter.
He does not prune the plant at all. But I would certainly try it.
I would like to share another point with you but hesitate to put the info on the site (I'd like to send you some of Santi's seeds). Can you send me an e-mail? baillysgardendreams@gmail.com
Deb
Hi Deb,
ReplyDeleteI sent you a email... did you ever get it?
Thanks,
Pietro :)
I am going to try and grow seeds for cucuzza here in Phoenix...Im thinking maybe along a post on my patio, since my other vegetable garden is up against a block wall and I'm concerned about the heat...think that'll work. I was lucky to have my cousin from NY send me some seed, not many, so Im hoping it works...
ReplyDeleteHey Lori! If your cousin's been successful, then there every chance that his/her seeds will work for you, too. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI live in Houston, TX I plant my CUCUZZA Seeds right around St Joeseph day, but here in Houston, you can really plant the seed just about anytime in the spring, unless you have 1000's of bees or butterflies, you'll have to hand pollinate them which is pretty much what I do and it works great, you just have to help mother nature along, there are two different flowers, a male and a female, the female is a very short stubby flower pod while the male is a long flower pod looks like a round large pencil about 2 or 3 inches in length by the time the flower opens, the flowers usually open up at night or early in the morning, you can do it 2 different ways you can break off the female pod and rub it on the male pod or you can use a cotton swab, rub it inside the female and then inside the male and that's pretty much how you pollinate a cucuzza...
ReplyDeleteYep, that's the ticket. Like all cucurbits (gourds). a little hand pollination can make all the difference. Thanks for sharing, Unknown!
ReplyDelete