Squash 'Vegetable Spaghetti'

'Vegetable Spaghetti' is a unique and fascinating squash variety that produces oval, pale yellow fruits. The magic occurs after cooking the whole fruit; when sliced open, the flesh can be raked out with a fork into translucent, spaghetti-like strands. It has a mild, nutty flavor that serves as an excellent low-carbohydrate alternative to pasta. In the UK, these are best started indoors in April and moved outside only after all danger of frost has passed in late May or June. The plants have a vigorous, trailing habit and require plenty of space to sprawl, or they can be trained up a sturdy trellis. They need a warm, sheltered spot and a rich soil with plenty of organic matter to support their fast growth. Regular watering is crucial, especially as the fruits begin to develop in late summer. Harvest the fruits in September or October before the first frosts, once the skins have hardened. They can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, moisture-retentive soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.