Zucchetta Serpent of Sicily/Cucuzza (146-43)

Zucchetta Serpente di Sicilia – Serpent of Sicily, a prized heirloom variety of vegetable seeds from Italy. Also known as cucuzze or gagootza, this unique gourd, grown and enjoyed like a summer squash, is a favorite among those from Southern Italy. Its fruit can grow up to three feet long but tastes best when picked young, around 12 inches. A vigorous grower with vines that can reach up to 25 feet, it thrives on terraces or pergolas. Even the growing tips of the vines are edible—sauté them in olive oil for a delicious treat.

Zucchetta is a warm-weather crop ideal for gardeners in the USA. Because the seeds have a hard coat, germination can take 4-6 weeks unless scarified. To scarify, rub the seeds gently on sandpaper to weaken the coat without damaging the interior, then soak them for 24 hours. Click here for more details on scarification. 

Scarified seeds germinate in about 10-14 days. Plant seeds in hills spaced six feet apart, placing four seeds per hill and thinning to two or three plants. This Italian heirloom vegetable matures 70-75 days after germination. Each 6-gram packet contains approximately 30-40 seeds.

Order tese authentic seeds from Italy today and grow Italian vegetables in your own garden in the United States. Perfect for gardeners in the US who want to experience the rich heritage of Southern Italian cuisine.

Read more about Zucchetta on our blog.