Sophy is an F1 hybrid zucchini that brings Costata Romanesco character into a modern, compact package. This variety matures in just 55 days from seed, delivering the ribbed, Italian heirloom aesthetic that home gardeners and chefs love, without sacrificing disease resistance or reliable production. Thriving in zones 3 through 11, Sophy handles a wide range of climates and grows vigorously in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Its compact growth habit and moderate water needs make it well-suited to both garden beds and containers, while strong resistance to PRSV, Watermelon Mosaic Virus, and Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus keeps plants healthy through the season.
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Moderate
3-11
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Moderate
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Sophy delivers the striking ribbed appearance and culinary appeal of Costata Romanesco in a reliable, disease-resistant hybrid form that matures in just 55 days. The compact growth habit makes this variety at home in smaller spaces where full-size zucchini plants would sprawl, while its resistance to three major viral diseases means fewer sprays and more consistent harvests. Succession plantings every 2 to 3 weeks ensure a steady supply of fruit at peak quality, rather than the feast-or-famine cycle common with single sowings.
Sophy zucchini excels as a fresh market and kitchen staple. Its Costata Romanesco heritage means the fruit has the distinctive ribbed form and tender, delicate flesh that Italian cooks prize for sautéing, grilling, and raw preparations. The compact plant produces at a steady pace, making it reliable for regular harvesting at a consistent size, whether you're slicing it thin for carpaccio or cooking it whole.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before your last spring frost date. Sow seeds in warm soil at 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit; they germinate quickly at these temperatures. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date, once soil has warmed to at least 70 degrees and all danger of frost has passed.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost date, once soil temperature reaches at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Space plants 18 inches apart in rows, hardening off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days to avoid transplant shock. Sophy is frost-tender; delay planting until all frost risk has passed.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last spring frost date, when soil temperature reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and thin seedlings to 18 inches apart once they develop true leaves.
Harvest Sophy zucchini when fruit reaches 6 to 8 inches long and still has tender skin that yields easily to fingernail pressure. Check plants every 1 to 2 days during peak production; zucchini grow quickly and become watery and oversized if left too long. Cut fruit from the plant with a sharp knife rather than twisting, to avoid damaging vines. Consistent, regular harvesting encourages continued flowering and fruit production throughout the season. For best quality, use harvested fruit as soon as possible after picking.
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