Seeds
Tromboncino Squash Seeds, Italian Climbing Zucchini
$5.49
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Tromboncino Squash Seeds, an Italian climbing zucchini (Cucurbita moschata) harvested young as summer squash or mature as winter squash. Vine borer resistant. Shipped from Kansas.
Cucurbita moschata varieties are generally less susceptible to squash vine borers than many other squash, but damage is still possible. Growing conditions and care matter. Why species predicts survival here.
🛡️ Vine borer resistance, the solid stems of Cucurbita moschata can offer some resistance to squash vine borers, but plants still need monitoring for damage.
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✅ Germination Promise: if your seeds fail to germinate under proper growing conditions, contact us within one year and we will replace them or refund your purchase. See the details.
📖 Read our complete growing guide for this variety →
An Italian climbing zucchini that doubles as a winter squash. Harvest young for tender summer squash, or let it mature on the vine for dense, butternut-like flesh.
Growing Guide
Botanic Name
Cucurbita moschata
Cucurbita moschata
Life Cycle
Annual
Annual
Maturity
60-90 days
60-90 days
Sun
Full sun
Full sun
Plant Spacing
36-48″ apart
36-48″ apart
Sowing Depth
0.5-1″
0.5-1″
Vine Habit
Climbing vine
Climbing vine
Fruit Weight
1-3 lbs (when summer), up to 15 lbs mature
1-3 lbs (when summer), up to 15 lbs mature
Fruit Color
Light green to tan
Light green to tan
Best For
Summer/winter squash
Summer/winter squash
Frost Hardy
No
No
Start Indoors
Yes, 3 weeks
Yes, 3 weeks
Container Friendly
No (vigorous 15-ft vines)
No (vigorous 15-ft vines)
Disease & Pest Resistance
Vine borer resistant (moschata species), powdery mildew resistant
Vine borer resistant (moschata species), powdery mildew resistant
Also known as: Zucchetta rampicante, Trombetta, Serpent of Sicily, climbing zucchini
SKU: APP-SEED-MOS-TRB-10 · APP-SEED-MOS-TRB-20
History & Origin
Tromboncino (also called "zucchetta") is an Italian heirloom that has been grown in Italian kitchen gardens for generations. This unique climbing squash belongs to the moschata species, giving it natural resistance to squash vine borers, a massive advantage over standard zucchini. Young fruits are used like zucchini; mature fruits develop hard shells and sweet, dense flesh like winter squash. This dual-purpose nature makes it one of the most versatile squash in any garden.
In the Kitchen
Harvest young (12-18 inches) and use like zucchini, saute, grill, or spiralize into noodles. Let them mature on the vine for winter squash with sweet, nutty flesh perfect for soups and roasting. The long, curved shape slices into beautiful rounds for grilling or making zucchini fritters.
Related Reading
Quick Specs
| Species | Cucurbita moschata |
| Days to maturity | 60 to 70 for summer harvest |
| Sowing | 1 in deep, 2 to 3 ft apart on a trellis |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Vine habit | Vigorous climber, best trellised |
| Fruit size | Harvest young at 8 to 12 in |
| Pest resistance | Highly vine borer resistant. Solid moschata stems are hard for borer larvae to tunnel into. Resistant, not immune, so still scout in June and July. |
Common Questions
Is Tromboncino Squash really vine borer resistant?
Highly vine borer resistant. Solid moschata stems are hard for borer larvae to tunnel into. Resistant, not immune, so still scout in June and July.
When should I plant Tromboncino Squash in Kansas?
Plant after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed. Harvest young, tender fruit for use like zucchini; the listed summer-harvest timing does not mean the fruit is mature for winter storage. For winter squash, leave fruit to mature on the vine and harvest before damaging frost.
Can Tromboncino replace zucchini?
Yes. Harvest young, tender Tromboncino for cooking like zucchini. Its vigorous climbing vines need space or sturdy support. Vine borer resistance does not guarantee an undamaged plant or a longer harvest.
Will it ripen before frost? Young summer squash and mature winter squash are different harvest stages. Allow additional growing time for hard-rinded winter squash, and plan around your local first-frost date rather than treating the young-harvest estimate as a storage-harvest deadline. Planting later, or gardening in a different zone? Check your own planting window.
Shipping & Satisfaction
We ship physical products via USPS from Newton, Kansas. Orders typically ship within 1 to 3 business days. Free shipping on seed orders $30+. Coffee ships at the paid rate shown at checkout. Shipping and taxes are calculated at checkout.
Seeds: Flat-rate shipping. Ships year-round.
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Growing Tips
Each seed packet includes detailed growing instructions. For additional help, visit our Growing Guides or reach out to us directly.
Grown and Tested in Kansas Zone 6b
Open-Pollinated and Non-GMO Free shipping on seed orders $30+ Family Homestead · Newton, KS
Seed life: 4 to 6 years stored cool, dry and dark. Germination is strongest in the first 2 to 3 years, so sow the freshest packet first and test older seed before you plan a bed around it.
Complete your patch
Most growers plant three or four varieties. Free shipping on seed orders $30+. Coffee ships at the paid rate shown at checkout. Shipping and taxes are calculated at checkout.
From the patch to the porch
A little something for your prairie day
Pair your seeds with pumpkin spice coffee for the morning and a 4.5 oz cold process soap bar for the end of the day.
Pumpkin Spice Soap
$7.99
