VegetableSquash
Ronde de Nice Squash
Summer Squash
This treasured French heirloom brings old-world charm to modern gardens with its perfectly round, pale green fruits speckled with subtle markings. Ready to harvest in just 40 to 60 days, Ronde de Nice produces tender, buttery-fleshed squash on compact, bushy plants that thrive in zones 3 through 13. Small-scale farmers have maintained this variety for generations, prizing both its delicate flavor and ornamental appeal that makes it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/squash-seeds-summer-ronde-de-nice)
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
Ronde de Nice stands apart from other summer squash with its unique globe shape and creamy pale skin decorated with green stripes. The compact, bushy growth habit makes it perfect for smaller gardens, raised beds, or containers where space is precious. Its tender, sweet flesh is notably less watery than many summer squash varieties, while the thin, edible skin requires no peeling when cooked. Harvest these charming orbs when just 1 to 2 inches across for the most delicate flavor, or let them grow to 4 inches for perfect stuffing shells.
Common Uses
These round beauties shine when harvested as delicate baby squash at 1 to 2 inches in diameter, perfect for sautéing in butter and chicken broth with fresh herbs until just tender. Larger fruits at 4 to 5 inches become ideal vessels for stuffing, with their firm walls holding fillings beautifully when baked. The tender flesh and edible skin make them excellent for roasting, grilling, or adding to summer vegetable medleys, while their unique shape adds visual interest to any dish.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Early Summer
First Harvest
Mid-summer
Last Harvest
Early Fall
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before transplanting to extend the growing season, sowing in warm conditions around 50°F minimum germination temperature.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant outdoors after soil reaches 60°F or higher and all danger of frost has passed.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep in warm soil after last frost date, ensuring soil temperature is at least 60°F for best germination.
Harvesting
Harvest when fruits reach 3 to 4 inches in diameter and feel firm and tender, typically 50 to 60 days after planting. For the most delicate flavor, pick them even smaller at just 1 to 2 inches across. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fruit from the plant rather than pulling, which can damage the vine. Regular harvesting encourages continued production throughout the summer months.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
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)
History & Origin
“This French heirloom has been lovingly maintained by small-scale farmers for generations, preserving its distinctive round shape and delicate character through careful seed saving. The variety originated in the Nice region of France, where it earned its place in traditional Mediterranean gardens and kitchens. Today's gardeners can grow the same variety that French families have treasured for decades, thanks to the dedication of farmers who understood the value of preserving this unique summer squash.”