Cocozelle Zucchini Squash
Cocozelle Zucchini Curcurbita Pepo
Approximately 20 seeds per pack.
Germination ~ 86% Oct 2024 Packed for 2025
Origins and History
Cocozelle Zucchini is a beloved Italian heirloom summer squash that traces its roots to Naples, Italy, where it has been cultivated for generations. It gained popularity in Europe during the 19th century and made its way into American seed catalogs in the early 1900s. Known for its rich culinary heritage, Cocozelle remains a favorite among gardeners who value both its productivity and its connection to traditional Italian cuisine. Its heirloom status reflects careful seed preservation, ensuring its distinctive qualities remain intact over time.
Appearance and Characteristics
Cocozelle zucchini is instantly recognizable by its long, slender fruits marked with alternating dark and light green stripes. The skin is tender, thin, and glossy, while the flesh inside is pale, firm, and flavorful. Plants grow as compact bushes, rather than sprawling vines, making them well-suited for smaller garden spaces. Typically, the fruits are best harvested at 6–8 inches in length, though they can grow larger without losing much of their flavor. Its prolific nature ensures a steady yield throughout the summer season.
Culinary Uses
This zucchini is celebrated for its delicate flavor and versatility in the kitchen. It can be grilled, sautéed, baked, or added to soups and stews. Italian cooks often prepare Cocozelle sliced and pan-fried with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, or layer it into gratins and casseroles. Because the skin is thin and tender, peeling is unnecessary, and its striped exterior makes for a visually striking addition to salads or roasted vegetable platters. Young fruits can even be eaten raw or lightly marinated.
Growing Tips
Cocozelle zucchini thrives in warm weather and full sun. It is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 3–10, though it grows most vigorously in zones 5–9. Seeds should be sown directly into the garden after the danger of frost has passed, at a depth of about 1 inch, with 2–3 seeds per hill spaced 3–4 feet apart. Thin to the strongest seedling per hill once established. Like other summer squashes, it benefits from well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter and requires consistent watering to encourage tender, uniform fruits. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and deter weeds.
Harvesting Guidance
Harvest Cocozelle zucchini when fruits reach 6–8 inches for peak tenderness and flavor, though they can be allowed to mature further if larger squashes are desired. Frequent picking encourages continued production throughout the season. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a short stem attached to extend storage life. The fruits are best used fresh but will keep for up to a week when refrigerated. If left to grow oversized, the squash can still be used for stuffing or baking but may lose some of its delicate texture.
