Zucchini Alberello Di Sarzana [Cucurbita pepo]

The annual zucchini 'Alberello di Sarzana' is a strong-growing, tried and tested and traditional Italian vegetable. With tender and fruity flesh and a very long harvest period. Ideal for self-sufficiency. Ideal for direct sowing or pre-cultivation, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the fruit.

 Description 
The zucchini 'Alberello di Sarzana' is an annual, old and traditional Italian fruit vegetable. The rare and tried and tested variety has its origins in the town of Sarzana in Liguria, in northern Italy. The vigorous plants do not climb, grow very large and produce numerous light green marbled fruits. The flesh remains tender for a long time, is fruity and, under optimal conditions, develops very aromatic fruits. The variety can be harvested well into autumn.

 General information 
Plant family: Cucurbitaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 90 days
Plant height approx.: 70 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: High
Water requirements: High
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 2-3 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-24 °C
Germination time: 5-10 days
Plant and row spacing: 100x100 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 4-5 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Basil, Bean, Borage, Nasturtium, Corn, Beetroot, Spinach, Onion, Lettuce, Leek, Carrot, Parsley, Pea, Spinach, Celery, Camomile
Unfavorable mixed culture: Dill, Cucumber, Pumpkin

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing is possible at an ambient temperature of at least 12°C. Pre-cultivation from the wind, warm and sunny to partially shaded.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing is possible at an ambient temperature of at least 12°C. Pre-cultivation from April to June is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is sheltered from the wind, warm and sunny.

 General recommendations 
The best time to germinate zucchini is when the average night temperature is 12°C. Direct sowing in rows is possible. Pre-cultivation and subsequent planting at the specified planting distance is recommended. When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds directly in small pots or in seed trays and plant them from the second pair of leaves after the cotyledons or when the root ball is sufficiently rooted directly in the prepared bed.
Zucchini 'Alberello di Sarzana' does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Regular harvesting promotes the formation of new fruit. At temperatures below 10°C, the plant reduces its growth. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich and constantly moist soil is fundamentally important for growth and quality fruit formation. Depending on the nature of the soil, nitrogen-rich fertilization is recommended after 8 weeks, and potassium-rich fertilization after about 11 weeks.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Cucurbita pepo
English names: Courgette, Zucchini
German names: Zucchini
Portuguese names: Abobrinha
Spanish names: Calabacín, Zapallitos
French names: Courgette

 Origin 
Country: Germany