Plant Profile: Ronde de Nice Heirloom Zucchini

Growing Ronde de Nice Zucchini

Introduction

Welcome to the world of kitchen gardening! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, growing your own vegetables is a rewarding experience. Today, we’ll focus on cultivating Ronde De Nice zucchini, a delightful French heirloom variety known for its tender and tasty fruits.

The Ronde de Nice is a charming round zucchini that hails from the Provence region of France. Known for its unique shape and delightful flavor, this heirloom variety has found a beloved spot in many gardens and kitchens worldwide. Let’s dive into the details of this fascinating plant.

Why Ronde De Nice Zucchini?

Ronde De Nice is an heirloom zucchini from Provence, France, cherished for its round shape and exquisite flavor. Harvested when small (less than 3 inches in diameter), it boasts a delicate skin and tender flesh, making it perfect for fresh salads, sautéing, and stuffing. Its rapid growth and prolific yield make it a fantastic addition to any kitchen garden.

The Ronde De Nice is a round French heirloom zucchini from Provence, known for its tender flesh. Best harvested when fruits are less than 7.5cm (3") in diameter, it can also be grown larger and used for stuffing. This variety is ideal for home gardens due to its delicate skin, which is prone to bruising, making it uncommon in stores. The seeds are open-pollinated and mature in 60 days. For more details, visit the West Coast Seeds product page.

Plant Profile: Ronde De Nice Zucchini

Common Name: Round Zucchini

Variety: Ronde De Nice

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Weather Notes:

• Prefers warm weather with temperatures between 70-95°F (21-35°C).
• Sensitive to frost and should be planted after the last frost date in spring.

Sun Requirement:

• Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day).

Shade Tolerance:

• Low; performs best in full sun but can tolerate very light, partial shade.

Care Instructions:

1. Soil: Requires well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
2. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; deep watering is preferable.
3. Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost to provide necessary nutrients, particularly nitrogen, at planting and as the plant grows.
4. Mulching: Apply organic mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Support: Typically does not require staking, but space plants about 2-3 feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
6. Pests/Diseases: Watch for common pests like squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids. Use row covers or organic insecticidal soap as needed. Prevent fungal diseases by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Companions:

• Grows well with beans, corn, radishes, and marigolds.
• Avoid planting near potatoes and other cucurbits to reduce the risk of disease spread.

Days to Germination:

• Approximately 7-10 days.

Days to Bloom/Harvest:

• Harvest in about 50-55 days from planting.
• This heirloom variety is known for its tender, flavorful fruit and can be harvested when small (2-3 inches in diameter) for best flavor and texture.

Care Instructions

Planting Tips

1. Soil Preparation:
   • Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
   • Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide the necessary nutrients.
2. Sowing Seeds:
   • Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date.
   • Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and 2-3 feet apart to give them room to spread.
   • If starting indoors, plant seeds in biodegradable pots 3-4 weeks before the last frost and transplant them carefully.
3. Watering:
   • Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
   • Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases.
4. Mulching:
   • Apply mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

To care for Ronde de Nice, ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

It’s also beneficial to provide a support structure, as the plant’s vines can sprawl. Regularly check for pests and diseases, and use organic or chemical treatments as necessary to maintain plant health.

Seasonal Chores

1. Thinning:
   • Once seedlings are established, thin them to the strongest plant every 2-3 feet.
2. Fertilizing:
   • Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to encourage healthy growth.
3. Pruning:
   • Remove any yellowing leaves and spent flowers to promote airflow and reduce disease risk.

Pest Control

1. Common Pests:
   • Watch out for aphids, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles.
   • Use insecticidal soap as a natural deterrent.
2. Companion Planting:
   • Planting marigolds, nasturtiums, or basil nearby can help repel pests.

Harvesting Techniques

1. Timing:
   • Harvest Ronde De Nice zucchinis when they are less than 3 inches in diameter for the best flavor.
   • Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stem, leaving a small portion attached to the fruit.
2. Storage:
   • Store harvested zucchinis in a cool, dry place.
   • They can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Personal Anecdote

This is the first time I’m planting Ronde De Nice zucchini, and zucchini’s are not happy with the location of my kitchen garden.