Days to Maturity: 45 from direct-sowing

AAS Winner

It has been 35 years since Gold Rush hybrid won an All-America Selection, yet this brilliant golden zucchini is still fresh and appealing among all the new varieties introduced each year. The truth is, its creamy white flesh, waxy bright skin, and unbelievable production in a small space have never been improved upon!

Gold Rush created a sensation when it was introduced, because this plant bears the same big crop in 4 square feet that older varieties take half the vegetable patch to set! The habit is open, which makes it easy to pick the zukes—and of course their bright golden color makes them stand out for easier harvest, too.

But as exciting as the compact habit is, the quality of the fruit is even better. The skin is waxy, creating a nice protective barrier against insect damage and bruising. The golden color is magnificent. And the flesh is white and succulent, for a tender bite the whole family will love.

Expect uniform fruit size from Gold Rush, too. These zukes may be picked young (at just a few inches long) for gourmet veggies, or they may be allowed to reach full size (6 to 8 inches long). Either way, the look and flavor are terrific.

Summer squash ripens during the hot summer months and, thin-skinned, is best eaten fresh. Sow seeds 1 inch deep directly into the garden after the danger of frost is past. Thin the seedlings to 24 inches apart, or plant several seeds in hills 4 feet apart and then thin to 2 plants per hill. For even earlier harvests, start seeds indoors and transplant the seedlings as soon as they have 2 sets of true leaves and the spring soil has warmed up.

Native to North America, squash was grown for years by indigenous peoples as part of the Three Sisters planting. This is a symbiotic combination planting involving corn, beans, and squash (and occasionally a Fourth Sister, Sunflower). In this arrangement, the bean vines climb the corn stalks, while the ground hugging squash foliage offers protection to the roots of the bean and corn. Try a Three Sisters planting of your own this year with these fine native vegetables.

Pkt of 20 seeds