Ronde De Nice is a French heirloom summer squash that grows as a compact bush plant, producing distinctively round, green fruits ready to harvest in just 45 to 55 days. The tender, fine-flavored flesh makes it exceptional for stuffing whole, a classic preparation that highlights its delicate texture. Vigorous and quick-growing, this Cucurbita pepo thrives in full sun and warm conditions (70 to 95°F), making it well-suited to home gardens and specialty growers who appreciate authentic heirloom varieties.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-11
?in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
This round green zucchini arrives from French kitchen gardens where it earned its place through centuries of cultivation for one specific purpose: stuffing. The flesh is noticeably tender and refined compared to typical elongated zucchini varieties, with a fine flavor that rewards the extra 24 inches of spacing required. Bush plants stay compact while producing vigorously, and you'll be harvesting mature fruits in under two months from sowing.
Ronde De Nice excels when stuffed whole and roasted, a preparation that takes advantage of its naturally hollow center and tender walls. The fine-textured flesh works beautifully as a vehicle for herb-and-cheese fillings or vegetable-based stuffing. It can be treated like any summer squash for sautéing or grilling, but its primary culinary identity is as the whole fruit, roasted until the skin softens and the filling heats through.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant seedlings outdoors only after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60°F, ideally 70°F or warmer. Space transplants 24 to 36 inches apart in full sun. Handle seedlings gently to avoid root disturbance.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Plant 2 to 3 seeds per hole, spacing holes 24 to 36 inches apart. Seedlings will emerge in 5 to 10 days under warm conditions. Thin to the strongest single plant per location once seedlings have developed their first true leaves.
Harvest Ronde De Nice when fruits reach 3 to 4 inches in diameter, typically 45 to 55 days from sowing. Pick fruits when the skin is still tender and yields slightly to pressure; waiting too long results in thickened skin and tougher, less flavorful flesh. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Cut fruits from the vine with a sharp knife rather than pulling, which can damage the plant.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Ronde De Nice traces its lineage to France, where this distinctive round squash developed as a regional heirloom variety. The variety's name reflects its origins and its particular shape; unlike the familiar long zucchini that dominates American gardens, this cultivar evolved as a specialty crop for French cooks who valued its hollow centers and tender walls for stuffing with vegetables, herbs, and cheese. It has been preserved and passed down through seed-saving networks, maintaining its characteristics as a true heirloom rather than a modern hybrid.”