Not this year. I have been very impressed with Costata Romanesco and will definitely plant it again next year.
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| Costata Romanesco Zucchini |
1.) Squash Vine Borers (SVB's): It has done very well against SVB (note: I am not saying it is immune or resistant). SVB's are around. I have seen the moths and the white scallop that is inter growing with the zucchini has them. I haven't done SVB prevention or surgery and I still have a thriving zucchini vine well over 10 feet long 4 months after I planted it. This is unheard of for me. Maybe I just got lucky? Maybe not?
2.) Taste: I will admit that I am not a zucchini connoisseur and only note a slight difference. However, three people who have eaten it commented on the flavor without being asked. They said it was the best zucchini they had ever eaten.
3.) Production: It is very prolific. Since it is an heirloom it probably produces less than hybrids. However, we have gotten over 95 lbs. this summer (and one vine is still going strong). That is more than enough for us. We pick an average of 1 good sized zucchini every day or so.
4.) Disease: It has had powdery mildew since early July and is still producing. I sprayed with Serenade once and then decided I was sick of zucchini and it would be alright if it died. Production has dropped (from 1 day to 1 every other day) but it is still going strong!
The only negatives about it are that it is a very big plant and the zukes go from manageable size to baseball bats overnight (especially if you get a good rain). Honestly, these are not really negatives in my book so that is why Costata Romanesco is getting a place in the garden next year.
This was my first year planting this zucchini also. I was also very impressed by this variety. I love love love the flavor! Unfortunately my space for zucchini will have to be rethought for next year. The icky clay soil is killing my plants. Next year I may have to do containers but this variety will definitely have a spot in my garden!! Love to hear that you also think so!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear how it does in containers. I was amazed by how large it got.
DeleteThank you for reviewing this zucchini. I have been so discouraged about zucchini and squash that I have contemplated eliminating them from the garden all together. Maybe I should reconsider.
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested in trying out a plant or two I would be happy to share some seed with you!
DeleteThis is interesting. I'm thinking maybe I should try this next year.
ReplyDeleteIf you want I would be willing to send a few seeds your way!
DeleteGlad to hear you are having good luck with it! We planted costata romanesca zucchini last year, and loved the taste. This year we planted a different variety because we were greedy and wanted one that would produce a little more (and be bushy). We haven't gotten a single zucchini because of SVB's!! Next year I'm going back to the costata romanesca! :)
ReplyDeleteSo yours also held up a little better against SVB? I finally pulled mine last week and it was still going strong. I am absolutely amazed by how long it lasted.
DeleteI'm with you on this one. I planted it this year after seeing it in the Tower Hill Botanical Gardens kitchen garden. I loved the shape and color of it. I had no problem with SVB or even squash bugs but eventually bacterial wilt got to some of it. It was mildew resistant at first but now that it is stressed, it is succumbing to mildew. I have found a milk spray made from a 1 to 7 mixture of milk and water (4 ox milk to 28 oz water for one quart of spray) with a tablespoon of baking soda and maybe a teaspoon of Neem oil is amazingly effective without the cost of Serenade. I will definitely be planting this one next year.
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