Sementeira
Done directly in the final location or in a tray with subsequent transplanting when the plants are around 10 cm tall.
An ornamental and delicious squash all in one — its white, flattened fruits with scalloped edges are a showstopper in the garden and a treat in the kitchen.
About the variety. Custard White produces disc-shaped, white fruits with ruffled ends weighing 500–600 g. A bush-type variety, its flowers are also edible and attractive to bees. Harvested young, the skin is tender and does not need to be removed.
Itinerário técnico
Um guia de cultivo passo a passo, da sementeira à colheita.
Done directly in the final location or in a tray with subsequent transplanting when the plants are around 10 cm tall.
Fertile, loamy and well-drained soils are recommended for cultivation. Soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.0
It is a crop that thrives in warm conditions, with the ideal temperature for growth and fruit set between 22 and 32°C, and night temperatures that do not normally drop below 20°C, as temperatures below this value lead to poor pollen tube growth. Soil temperature at sowing time should be at least 20°C.
It is a nitrogen-demanding crop, so well-composted organic matter should be incorporated into the soil before planting.
Irrigation is essential during flowering, pollination and fruit development; water volumes should be gradually reduced as the fruit approaches maturity. Drip irrigation is therefore a good option for this crop, as it adapts to the varying requirements throughout the growing cycle and avoids wetting the foliage (which could encourage the development of diseases).
Mechanical control in the early stages of the crop cycle and mulching with organic materials or plastic are options that help prevent competition between weeds and the crop.
Mites and thrips are common pests of this crop. Mite control can be achieved through biological control with predatory mites and the application of azadirachtin and sulphur dust (if temperature < 28°C). Thrips control is carried out by using border plants that attract anthocorid beneficials (marigolds and other composites) and through biological control with predatory mites and anthocorids.
Fusarium wilt and downy mildew are diseases affecting this crop. To control fusarium wilt, appropriate crop rotations, biofumigation and soil solarization should be carried out. For downy mildew control, suitable crop rotations, improvements to soil structure and permeability (avoiding waterlogging), wide plant spacing and the application of copper-based fungicides should be used.