2009 Ostman Farm Plant List

Summer Squash

Summer Squash, like all squash plants, need good, rich soil and plenty of sunshine. They prefer it a bit warmer, so here on the coast it is better to wait until after the end of May to plant them outside, although with protection they can be planted earlier.

The plants will need regular water- drip irrigation is best, as they should be watered at the base of the plant to prevent mildew. Good crop rotation will help prevent other diseases, and protect from insect damage. Pollination is also critical for fruit set, so make sure you have lots of bee-attracting flowers planted nearby. Harvest when young for best flavor.

Zucchini

Costata Romanesco OP 52 days
A justly famous Italian heirloom, this is a distinctive zucchini that is very popular. The medium green striped skin is deeply ribbed, giving a scalloped look to the slices. When picked very small they can be fried whole with the flower still on. Very flavorful.

Cocozelle Bush OP 45-55 days
A wonderful old Italian heirloom, this zucchini is a pale green with darker green stripes. The firm flesh is very flavorful. Pick when young to keep the harvest going.

Salman F1 40 days
A great short season squash for the northwest, Salman is more widely known in the Middle East where it is widely grown. A very productive zucchini, the fruits are a light green, and the plants are compact and easy to pick.

Yellow Summer

Zephyr F1 54 days
Bred by one of our favorite seed companies, Johnny’s Selected Seeds of Maine. This is a lovely little squash with a striking two-toned appearance- slender yellow fruits are lightly striped with white, with a light green blossom end. Best harvested when 4-6” long, they have firm flesh and a delicious nutty taste. Big plants, high yielding.

Early Prolific Straightneck 50 days
A great older variety of yellow summer squash, this one the All American Selections crown in 1938, and is still popular today. The lemon-yellow club-shaped fruits are firm and flavorful.

Other Varieties

Trombetta di Alberto OP 70 days
One of the most distinctive summer squash you can grow! A great Italian heirloom that goes by many names- Tromboncino, Zucchino Rampicante, Zucca d’Albegna are a few. Whatever you call it, try training the sprawling vines up a trellis for a great vertical display of abundance. The light green fruits can grow very long and curved, and can be harvested anytime from a few inches up to a few feet long. They have a delicate nutty flavor that some liken to artichoke. Delicious, high yielding, fun to grow.

Green Bush Vegetable Marrow OP 53 days
The English have been growing this heirloom squash for generations. The fruits can be harvested young like any other zuccinini, but in England they are allowed to grow large, and then are stuffed and baked, making a delicious and hearty meal. Firm, tasty flesh. Bush plants.