Summer Squash, F1 Hybrid گول ٹینڈی / چپنی کدو

Approx 10 seeds in the pack.

Summer Squash Description and Growing Instructions

Summer squash is a fast-growing, warm-season vegetable that comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors, including zucchini, crookneck, and scallop varieties. Its tender skin and mild flavor make it a popular addition to salads, sautés, and baked dishes. Summer squash plants are bushy and compact, producing fruit in as little as 50-60 days after planting.

Growing Instructions:

Climate and Temperature Requirements:

Summer squash thrives in warm weather, requiring temperatures between 18°C to 30°C for optimal growth.

It is frost-sensitive and should not be planted until all danger of frost has passed.

Soil Preparation:

Choose a location with well-draining, fertile soil, rich in organic matter.

Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0 to 7.5).

Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting to enhance fertility.

Sowing Instructions:

Direct Sowing: Summer squash seeds are best sown directly into the soil. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, spacing them 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 3-5 feet apart.

Transplanting: If starting indoors, sow seeds in biodegradable pots 3-4 weeks before the last frost, and transplant them carefully to avoid root disturbance.

Watering and Care:

Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering (1-1.5 inches per week) encourages healthy root development.

Mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Support plants if necessary to prevent heavy fruits from breaking stems.

Fertilizing:

Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every 3-4 weeks or as needed. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.

Pests and Diseases:

Watch for pests such as squash bugs, vine borers, and aphids. Use natural remedies or appropriate insecticides if infestations occur.

Prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Harvesting:

Harvest summer squash when they are young and tender, usually at 6-8 inches long for zucchini or when they are firm and glossy for other varieties. Overripe fruits can become tough and seedy.

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Sowing Season in Pakistan by Region:

Punjab and Sindh (Plains and Lowlands):

Spring Sowing: February-March (after the last frost).

Monsoon Sowing: June-July (early rains provide ideal conditions).

Autumn/Winter Sowing: September-October (in areas with mild winters like southern Sindh).

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan (Cooler Regions):

Spring Sowing: March-April (post-frost).

Summer Sowing: July-August in regions with cooler summers, such as northern KP.

Northern Areas (Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir):

Spring Sowing: May-June (due to late frost).

Summer Sowing: Late June in high-altitude regions with cooler climates.

By selecting the appropriate sowing time for each region, you can maximize yield and ensure a healthy crop.