Summer Squash 'Yellow Crookneck'

'Yellow Crookneck' is a heritage summer squash that brings a touch of character and excellent flavour to the UK vegetable garden. It has a bushy habit, making it more manageable than trailing winter squashes. The fruits are distinctive for their bright yellow, warty skin and a curved 'neck'. They are best harvested when small (around 10-15cm) when the flesh is tender, buttery, and slightly nutty. Like courgettes, they are prolific and will continue to produce fruit as long as they are harvested regularly. The plants produce large, edible golden flowers and large, rough leaves. In the UK, they should be started under glass in April and planted out in June in a sunny, sheltered spot. They are hungry and thirsty plants, requiring plenty of water and regular feeding. 'Yellow Crookneck' is a delicious alternative to standard green courgettes and adds visual interest to both the garden and the dinner plate.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.