Seeds
Tromboncino Squash Seeds, Italian Climbing Zucchini
$4.99
Free shipping on orders $25+ · Satisfaction guaranteed
Tromboncino Squash Seeds, an Italian climbing zucchini (Cucurbita moschata
The moschata group is the one that matters in a Kansas July. Solid, dense stems that vine borer larvae struggle to tunnel, and genuine tolerance for heat and humidity. Why species predicts survival here.) harvested young as summer squash or mature as winter squash. Vine borer resistant. Shipped from Kansas.
🛡️ Vine borer resistance: Excellent, the solid stems of Cucurbita moschata resist the squash vine borer that kills most common pumpkins.
🌱 Free Shipping on Orders $25+, ships from Newton, Kansas.
✅ 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
Cucurbita moschata
Annual
60-90 days
Full sun
36-48″ apart
0.5-1″
Climbing vine
1-3 lbs (when summer), up to 15 lbs mature
Light green to tan
Summer/winter squash
No
Yes, 3 weeks
No (vigorous 15-ft vines)
Vine borer resistant (moschata species), powdery mildew resistant
Also known as: Zucchetta rampicante, Trombetta, Serpent of Sicily, climbing zucchini
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?
Direct sow or transplant once soil holds 65 to 70 F, typically mid May to early June in Zone 6b. At 60 to 70 for summer harvest days to maturity, a late May planting ripens in September to October, right on time for curing before frost.
Can Tromboncino replace zucchini?
That is exactly how we grow it. Harvested young it cooks like zucchini, but it grows on solid-stemmed moschata vines that squash vine borers mostly leave alone, so it keeps producing into August when zucchini plants have collapsed.
Will it ripen before frost? Tromboncino Squash needs 60 to 90 days from sowing. In a typical Newton, Kansas Zone 6b season the first fall frost arrives between October 10 and 20, so direct sow by about July 3 to finish with a two week cushion. Planting later, or gardening in a different zone? Check your own planting window.
What growers are saying
Shipping & Satisfaction
We ship seeds and coffee via USPS from Newton, Kansas. Orders typically ship within 1 to 3 business days.
Seeds: Flat-rate shipping. Ships year-round.
Coffee: Packed fresh in Newton and shipped weekly.
Not happy? Contact us and we will make it right.
Growing Tips
Each seed packet includes detailed growing instructions. For additional help, visit our Growing Guides or reach out to us directly.
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 orders over $25.00.
