Costata Romanesco Squash

Costata Romanesco is an Italian heirloom squash that is known for its delicious and slightly nutty flavor. The texture is firm and it can be fried, grilled, baked, or eaten raw in salads. In Italy they love to eat the blossoms so you will see more male flowers in this selection. Blossoms are put in salads, soups, and pasta, but are also use for stuffing with ricotta or goat cheese. The fruit are dark green with light green ribs that run the length of the fruit. In Italy the fruit are harvested at 4 or 5 inches with the blossom still attached. But they can be harvested at 15 inches and they will still be firm and tasty. You can cut the big fruit into thin patties to top a sandwich. Add some pesto, or grate a little Parmesan on top. It is semi-vining type that can stretch 4 feet. Space 24 inches apart when planting, with 4 feet between rows. 55 days.