VegetableZucchini
Caserta Zucchini
Summer Squash
Caserta Zucchini is an early, vigorous bush variety that delivers exceptional harvests of creamy-white fleshed zucchini with distinctive light green skin striped in white. Ready to pick in 60-69 days, this cultivar produces as many as 30 fruits per plant, though they're best enjoyed at a tender 6-8 inches rather than full size. Thriving in full sun across hardiness zones 3-13, it's an annual that rewards gardeners with prolific yields throughout the growing season.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/heirloom-vegetable-seeds-pe-t-squash-heirloom-seeds-summer-squash-seeds-caserta-zucchini-seeds)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Preferred Temp70-85°F
Growth Stats
30 in
Height
PeriodAnnual
TypeBush
Spacing
24-36 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-13
Size
30in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
A single Caserta plant can produce up to 30 zucchini, making it exceptionally generous for home gardens. The cream-colored flesh is notably flavorful and tender when harvested young, and the distinctive striped appearance sets it apart visually in the garden and at the table. Its early maturity (60-69 days) means you'll be harvesting within two months of planting, while its vigorous bush habit keeps plants compact and manageable without sprawling across the garden.
Common Uses
Caserta Zucchini is at its best when harvested at 6-8 inches and used fresh in light preparations that showcase its creamy texture and subtle flavor. At this tender size, it works beautifully in simple sautés, grilled dishes, or raw sliced into salads where the flesh's delicate quality shines. The substantial yields mean you'll have plenty for everyday cooking and preserving.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Early Summer
First Harvest
Late Spring
Last Harvest
Early Fall
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before your last expected frost date in soil temperatures of 70-85°F. Transplant seedlings outdoors only after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F.
Transplant Outdoors
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days by exposing them to outdoor conditions in increasing increments. Transplant to the garden after the last frost date when soil temperature is warm, spacing plants 36 inches apart.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds into warm soil (70-85°F) after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and thin to final spacing of 36 inches apart.
Harvesting
Pick Caserta zucchini when they reach 6-8 inches long for the best flavor and tender texture, rather than waiting for full-sized 16-inch fruit. Check plants every 2-3 days during peak production, as vigorous plants can produce prolifically. Harvest by cutting the stem with a knife rather than twisting, which can damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued flowering and fruiting throughout the season.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Soil pH Range
6 – 7
Scientific Classification
Cucurbita pepo L.
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Genus
Cucurbita
Duration
Annual
Growth Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Native Status
L48 (NI)PR (I)CAN (W)