Ronde de Nice

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

Zucchinis need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1 inch deep and 2 feet apart. When seedlings have 4 leaves, thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, plant in slightly mounded hills, 2 feet in diameter, sowing 4 or 5 seeds in each hill. Thin hill-planted seedlings to the 2 or 3 strongest plants.

GROWING NOTES

Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly – you will have more productive, disease-free plants if seedlings have enough room to mature.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest Ronde de Nice as delicate babies when they reach just 1 or 2 inches in diameter or let grow to no more than 4 to 5 inches to enjoy best flavor and texture. Cook the little globes until just tender in a little butter and chicken broth and add your favorite chopped fresh herbs. Hollow out bigger squashes and chop up flesh, then combine with your favorite stuffing ingredients, fill the shells and bake to savory perfection.