This is an All America Selections winner! This golden zucchini has an eye-catching golden yellow color that makes it a favorite squash for market stands. The smooth, cylindrical, uniform fruit are borne on upright, open plants that are easy to pick. Gold Rush makes a fine addition to fresh market vegetable displays.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Zucchinis need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Sow 2 to 3 seeds, 1 inch deep, every 2 feet, in rows 3 feet apart. Thin to leave only 1 seedling every 2 feet. Or, plant in slightly mounded hills, 2 feet in diameter, sowing 5 or 6 seeds in each hill. Thin hill-planted seedlings to 2 or 3 strongest plants.
GROWING NOTES
Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly — you will have more productive, disease-free plants if seedlings have enough room to mature.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest zucchini when no more than 5 to 6 inches long for best flavor and tenderness. Frequent harvesting keeps plants producing tasty new fruits instead of maturing fat, tough, huge ones. Steam, stirfry or grill sliced zucchinis and sprinkle with fresh parsley, dill, basil or thyme. Try the tasty blossoms sautéed or stuffed and baked. Heap a platter with spears of all 3 colored zucchinis picked at baby size and serve with your favorite dip for nutty tasting, crunchy appetizers or snacks.
Seeding depth: 1 - 1.5 inches
Germination days: 6 - 12 days
Maturation days: 52 days