VegetableSquash
Early Prolific Straightneck Squash
Summer Squash
This buttery yellow summer squash earned its place in gardening history as the 1938 All America Selections winner, and nearly nine decades later it still delivers on its promise of early abundance. Ready in just 50 to 59 days, Early Prolific Straightneck produces smooth, straight-necked squash with tender flesh and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that shines in everything from quick sautés to grilled summer dishes. Hardy across zones 3-13, this spreading heirloom thrives in full sun and keeps producing reliably all season long when harvested regularly.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Preferred Temp70-90°F
Growth Stats
30 in
Height
—
Width
36 in
Spacing
50–59
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeVine, Forb/herb
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-13
Size
30in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What sets Early Prolific Straightneck apart is its remarkable combination of speed and stamina. While many varieties take their time to get going, this one starts producing tender 6 to 8 inch squash in under two months and simply doesn't quit until frost. The bright lemon-yellow fruits grow perfectly straight with fewer seeds than most varieties, making them ideal for slicing and cooking whole without peeling. Its compact, bushy growth habit means you get impressive yields even in smaller spaces, and the tender skin stays edible even as the squash matures.
Common Uses
This versatile summer squash excels in quick cooking methods that highlight its tender texture and buttery flavor. Slice it for sautéing with olive oil and herbs, throw thick rounds on the grill alongside salmon, or dice it into classic summer squash casseroles. The thin, edible skin means no peeling required, and its mild sweetness works beautifully in everything from raw summer salads to baked gratins.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Early Summer
First Harvest
Early Summer
Last Harvest
Late Summer
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last expected frost to extend your growing season. Plant 2 to 3 seeds per cell in warm, well-drained soil and thin to the strongest seedling once germinated.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings outdoors after soil temperatures reach 60°F and all danger of frost has passed. Space transplants 24 to 36 inches apart on 6 to 8 inch tall soil mounds to accommodate the heavy vegetation and improve drainage.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds after the last frost when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. Plant on raised mounds of soil spaced 36 inches apart with rows 48 inches apart.
Harvesting
Harvest when fruits reach 6 to 8 inches long and have bright lemon-yellow color with tender, thin skin. Check plants every couple of days once production begins, as squash can quickly grow too large and become starchy and less flavorful. Use a sharp knife or shears to cut the stem cleanly rather than twisting or pulling, which can damage the plant. For peak flavor and continued production, never let fruits reach 18 to 24 inches long on the vine.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Cucurbita pepo L.
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Genus
Cucurbita
Duration
Annual
Growth Habit
Spreading
Native Status
L48 (NI)PR (I)CAN (W)
History & Origin
“Early Prolific Straightneck claimed its spot in American garden history when it won the prestigious All America Selections award in 1938, recognized for producing uniform yellow squash that outperformed other varieties of its era. This open-pollinated heirloom has been passed down through nearly nine decades of home gardens, earning its reputation as the gold standard for summer squash. Seed companies have continued to offer this reliable variety because it delivers exactly what its name promises, becoming what many consider the benchmark against which all other straightneck squash are measured.”