Saffron (Cucurbita pepo 'Saffron') is a heirloom straightneck summer squash with glossy, bright-yellow fruit and tender, mild flesh. A productive, easy-to-pick variety for steady summer harvests. At a glance Botanical name: Cucurbita pepo 'Saffron' Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated summer squash Days to maturity: about 50 to 55 days Fruit size: about 6 to 8 inches Sun: Full sun Spacing: 24 to 36 inches apart Planting depth: 1 inch Best for Grilling and sauteing Fresh slicing for salads Stir-fries and side dishes Steaming Freezing How to grow Direct sow 1 inch deep in warm soil after the last frost. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and water consistently. Harvest young at 6 to 8 inches while the skin is still glossy, and pick often to keep the plants producing. Flavor profile Mild, lightly sweet, and tender with a delicate summer-squash flavor. About 99Heirlooms 99Heirlooms specializes in non-GMO, open-pollinated heirloom seeds chosen for flavor and reliability, so you can grow proven varieties and save seed season after season.
