Bossa Nova Squash Seeds

Cucurbita pepo Bossa Nova Squash

Cucurbita pepo Bossa Nova Squash is a stunning, All-America Selections Winner valued for its distinctive mottled skin and compact, prolific growth habit. Growing to about 2 – 3 feet tall with a spread of 3 to 4 feet, this "Caserta-style" summer zucchini is perfect for vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers where both high yields and space efficiency are desired. Unlike traditional dark green zucchinis that blend into the shadows of the canopy, Bossa Nova features bright light-green skin with dark green striations, making the fruits easy to spot for harvest while providing a continuous supply of tender, sweet squash early in the season.

Culinary and Practical Uses

• The tender, thin skin and smooth flesh offer a sweeter, nuttier flavor than standard zucchini, making it excellent for grilling, roasting, or slicing raw into salads.  
•  Both the large male and female flower blossoms are edible and highly sought after for stuffing with cheese, dipping in batter, and frying.  
•  Harvested young (at 6 to 8 inches), the fruits are perfect for "zoodles" (zucchini noodles), quick stir-fries, and savory baking recipes like breads and muffins.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Large, deeply lobed green leaves that form an open canopy, allowing for easier visibility and access to the fruit during harvest.
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy mound that produces fruit near the base of the plant; known for early maturity (approx. 30–45 days) and an extended harvest window.
• Flowers: Produces large, trumpet-shaped, bright orange-yellow blossoms in early summer, which are highly attractive to bees and pollinators and are a culinary delicacy.
• Seeds: Harvested from fully mature, hardened fruits left on the vine; the flat, cream-colored seeds can be roasted for snacks or saved for next season (if not cross-pollinated).

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Thrives in full sun; fruit set and plant vigor are best with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil: Adapts to most soil types but prefers rich, fertile, well-draining soil amended with compost or manure.
• Water: Requires consistent, moderate watering; water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
• Spacing: Plant seeds or transplants 2 to 3 feet apart in rows 4 to 5 feet apart to allow for lateral spread and air circulation.
• Maintenance: Harvest fruits frequently (2–3 times a week) to encourage continuous production; removing old or damaged leaves helps maintain airflow.

Shipping Info

Bossa Nova Squash seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.