How to Grow and Harvest Opo Squash (Cucuzza) in Austin's Drought-Resistant Zone 8 Edible Landscape
Opo Squash (Cucuzza) growing in Sustainable 626 Edible Landscape Growing Zone 8b
It is such a wonder to me how fast this squash grows in a day, you can almost watch it grow.
The Opo-Squash, Bầu Sao Vietnamese squash, Cucuzza- in Italian, is vining and produces 6” - 36” long squash.
Used in various stir-fry and soup dishes, it is an easy plant to grow if you are looking to feed a family. The texture is more of a cross between a squash and a melon and has a high water content. Once the summer heat kicks in, the plant is prolific and puts out many flowers for more food production.
This plant is producing well in this 100 degree heat. 2 years ago, in my friend’s garden, I was so amazed by the abundance of squash, the resilience to the heat, the taste, and how one squash can feed so many, that her dad gifted me seeds and some plants to grow last year. These squash are amazing. They have fed my family, friends and neighbors well throughout the hot summer months. This plant is a good addition to your Austin area edible landscape. It thrives in Zone 8, loves the Texas sun, and is incredibly drought-resistant once established. If you’re looking to add a unique, edible vine to your landscape this summer, Cucuzza is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance option that offers delicious fruits and stunning greenery.
Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to grow and harvest Opo Squash in Austin’s drought-resistant Zone 8 edible landscape.
1. Pick the Perfect Spot for Cucuzza
Full Sun: Opo Squash needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day to thrive. Find a sunny spot where the vines can grow freely.
Space for Sprawling Vines: Cucuzza vines can get quite long, so make sure you have enough space. If you’re limited on space, consider using a trellis or fence to grow the vines vertically.
2. Prepare the Soil for Healthy Growth
Well-Drained Soil: Opo Squash prefers soil that’s loose and well-draining. If your soil is heavy or compact, mix in compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
Soil pH: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6-7). A soil test can help you get it just right.
3. Planting Cucuzza Seeds
Timing: Plant your Cucuzza seeds after the last frost, usually around mid to late March in Austin. If you start seeds indoors, do so about 2-3 weeks before the last frost and transplant once the weather warms up. Even if plant you seeds directly now in April and May, it’s not too late.
Seed Depth: Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep. Space them 3-4 feet apart to give the vines enough room to grow.
4. Watering Your Opo Squash
Initial Watering: Water the seeds thoroughly when you first plant them, but be careful not to overwater.
Drought-Tolerant: Once your Cucuzza plants are established, they are fairly drought-tolerant. However, they still need a deep watering once a week during dry periods, especially in Austin’s hot summers. Let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
5. Fertilizing for Strong Growth
Organic Fertilizer: Feed your Cucuzza plants with a balanced organic fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. This helps the plants stay healthy and productive.
Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Too much nitrogen can lead to lots of leaves and fewer fruits, so stick to a balanced fertilizer for optimal results.
6. Trellising and Pruning
Vertical Gardening: Cucuzza vines love to climb, so use a trellis or a strong fence to support the plant. This will help save space and keep your squash off the ground, making them easier to harvest and less prone to pests.
Prune for Healthy Growth: Trim back any excessive vines or leaves to help the plant focus energy on producing fruit. It also improves airflow and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
7. Watch Out for Pests and Disease
Common Pests: Look out for aphids, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles, all of which can damage your Cucuzza plants. Organic solutions like neem oil or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs can help control these pests.
Powdery Mildew: Keep an eye on your plant for powdery mildew, especially in humid weather. If you see it, remove the affected leaves.
8. How and When to Harvest Cucuzza
Harvest Time: You can harvest Cucuzza when the squash reaches 18-24 inches long, though you can let them grow even larger if you prefer a more mature flavor. For the best taste and texture, try to harvest them when they’re still young (around 2 feet long).
Harvesting: Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the squash from the vine, leaving a small stem attached. Be gentle to avoid damaging the vine or other squash.
9. Storing and Enjoying Cucuzza
Storage: Cucuzza can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a few weeks. For long-term storage, you can freeze it after blanching, or preserve it by pickling or canning.
Cooking Ideas: Cucuzza is versatile in the kitchen. It has a mild flavor and firm texture that makes it perfect for stir-fries, stews, casseroles, or even grilling. Use it like zucchini in most recipes, but enjoy its firmer texture and slightly sweeter taste.
10. End-of-Season Care
Clean Up: At the end of the growing season, remove any remaining Cucuzza plants and squash from your garden. If the plants were healthy, you can compost them, but if pests or diseases were an issue, it’s best to dispose of them to avoid spreading problems to next year’s crops.
Bonus Tips for a Successful Cucuzza Harvest:
Mulch: Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, especially during hot spells.
Pollination: Cucuzza plants produce both male and female flowers. Make sure your garden has enough pollinators like bees to ensure successful fruit set. Avoid using harsh pesticides that can harm these important insects.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to growing a bountiful harvest of Opo Squash (Cucuzza) in your drought-tolerant Austin garden. Whether you’re looking to add some variety to your landscape or create a beautiful, edible garden, Cucuzza is a great choice. Happy gardening!
