Summer Squash Seeds,
Ronde De Nice

Plant seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 70°F or warmer. For an earlier harvest, sow seeds indoors 2–4 weeks before transplanting. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow Ronde De Nice squash seeds 1 inch deep in fertile, well-draining soil. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to allow for airflow and room to grow. If transplanting, harden off seedlings and plant outdoors after the threat of frost has passed. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings are well established.

Water regularly at the base of the plant to reduce the risk of foliar diseases. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize every 3–4 weeks with compost or organic fertilizer. Harvest often to encourage continued fruit production. Monitor for pests like squash bugs and remove them promptly to protect the crop.

Note that there are four different species of squash: Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata, and C. mixta. They will not cross pollinate with each other, so it is possible to grow one of each species for seed saving without worrying about cross pollination. If you are planning to save seeds from several varieties of the same species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.

• Allow fruit to remain on the plant until it fully matures, and the skin hardens and the color deepens.
• Harvest and cure squash in a warm, dry area for 2–3 weeks.
• Cut open the fruit and scoop out seeds, removing attached pulp.
• Wash seeds thoroughly and lay them out in a single layer to dry.
• Dry seeds for 2–3 weeks in a well-ventilated space before storing.
• Store seeds in a cool, dry container labeled with variety and date.