What hardiness zones is Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck' suitable for?

Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b.

How much water does Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck' need?

Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck' has moderate to high water needs.

Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck', Yellow Crookneck Squash

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Annuals

Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck'

Yellow Crookneck Squash

CucurbitaceaeNorth America

At a Glance

Typeannual

Habitbushy

Foliagedeciduous

Height18-24 inches

Width3-4 feet

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 10b

Zone 3a

Zone 3b

Zone 4a

Zone 4b

Zone 5a

Zone 5b

Zone 6a

Zone 6b

Zone 7a

Zone 7b

Zone 8a

Zone 8b

Zone 9a

Zone 9b

Zone 10a

Zone 10b

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck' is a popular summer squash cultivar known for its distinctive curved neck and bright yellow skin. This warm-season annual produces tender, edible fruits that are best harvested when young and small, typically 4-6 inches long. The plant develops large, broad leaves that are deeply lobed with prominent veining, providing excellent coverage for the developing fruits beneath. The characteristic crookneck shape develops as the fruit matures, with the neck portion curving in a distinctive S-shape while the bulbous end remains straight. The skin is smooth when young, becoming slightly bumpy or warted as it matures, and ranges from pale yellow to deep golden yellow. The flesh is creamy white to pale yellow, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture when harvested at the proper stage.

Native Range

Cucurbita pepo is native to northeastern Mexico and the southern United States, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that indigenous peoples were growing various forms of this species as early as 8000-10000 years ago in regions that are now Mexico and the southwestern United States.

Suggested Uses

Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers. The compact bush habit makes it suitable for smaller garden spaces compared to vining squash varieties. Excellent for fresh eating, the tender young fruits can be sliced and grilled, sautéed, or used in stir-fries, soups, and casseroles. Also suitable for preserving through freezing or pickling when harvested small.

How to Identify

Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck' can be identified by its distinctive curved, yellow fruits with a narrow neck that bends in an S-shape and a wider, bulbous base. The plant produces large, heart-shaped leaves with deeply cut lobes and prominent white or light green veining. Bright yellow, funnel-shaped flowers appear throughout the growing season, with separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The stems are thick, hollow, and covered with small prickly hairs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread3' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

gold

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

SummerFall

summer through early fall

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow to golden yellow

Foliage Description

medium to dark green with prominent light green to white veining

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

50-60 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck' requires full sun and well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. Plant in warm soil after all danger of frost has passed, as the seeds will not germinate in cold conditions. Water consistently and deeply, providing about 1 inch of water per week, taking care to water at the base of the plant to prevent leaf diseases. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season to maintain vigorous growth and fruit production.

Pruning

Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck' generally does not require pruning, as it is a bush-type variety rather than a vining type. However, you may remove any damaged, diseased, or yellowing leaves throughout the growing season to improve air circulation and plant health. Harvest fruits regularly when they are young and tender, typically 4-6 inches long, to encourage continued production throughout the season.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Crookneck' fruits and flowers are edible and non-toxic to humans and pets. The leaves and stems have small prickly hairs that may cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals, but the plant is not considered poisonous. The seeds are also edible when properly prepared.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

2 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

after last frost when soil temperature reaches 60°F

Days to Maturity

50–60 days

Plant Spacing

36 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

beans

corn

radishes

nasturtiums

marigolds

basil

Avoid Planting With

potatoes

fennel

aromatic herbs