Lagenaria siceraria. 70 days. Open-pollinated.
Cucuzzi is an open-pollinated gourd variety native to tropical Africa, though it's been cultivated for centuries in many parts of the world including Italy, where it’s considered a traditional vegetable.
Vines are vigorous and high-yielding, often growing over 20 feet in length with an average of 8 gourds per vine, so planting near a fence or trellis is highly recommended.
Long, slender fruits, which are snake-like in appearance, have smooth, vibrant-green skin and can grow up to 5 feet long and 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Their flesh is crisp and pale-yellow with a flavor and texture similar to zucchini.
Harvest the fruits when less than 2 feet long and prepare like squash.
Cucuzzi Italian Snake Gourd
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones:
3 to 11
Light Requirement:
Full sun
Soil Type:
Nutrient rich, well drained
Sow Depth:
1 inch
Plant Spacing:
18 to 24 inches in rows
Germination Temp:
75ºF to 90ºF or higher
Germination Time:
5 to 10 days
Maturation:
70 days
Growing Tips
Direct sow after the danger of frost has passed and outdoor soil temperatures are 70°F or warmer. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 18 to 24 inches apart in rows. Thin to the strongest plants once the seedlings have obtained their first set of true leaves.
