Squash Pleine de Naples

A squash of impressive proportions — long, narrow fruits that can exceed 80 cm and weigh up to 10 kg, with sweet orange flesh and a grey-green striped skin.

About the variety. Pleine de Naples is a narrow pear-shaped variety, highly prized for its thick flesh and sweet flavour. The flowers are also edible, and the plant is a good nectar source. It keeps very well after harvest, making it an excellent choice for the pantry.

€1,50

Itinerário técnico

Como cultivar squash pleine de naples?

Um guia de cultivo passo a passo, da sementeira à colheita.

pH ideal 6.5 and 7.0Temperatura ideal 22 and 32°C

Sementeira

Sow in the final location or in a tray, transplanting when seedlings reach about 10 cm.

Solo

Fertile, loamy soils with good drainage are recommended for this crop. Soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.0

Clima

It is a crop that thrives in warm conditions, with the ideal temperature for growth and fruit set between 22 and 32°C, with 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 should be at least 20°C.

Fertilização

It is a nitrogen-demanding crop, so well-composted organic matter should be incorporated into the soil before planting.

Rega

Irrigation is essential during flowering, fertilization and fruit growth, and water volumes should be gradually reduced as the fruit reaches maturity. For this reason, drip irrigation is a good option for this crop, as it meets the varying water requirements throughout the cycle without wetting the leaves (which can promote the development of diseases).

Controlo de Infestantes

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.

Controlo de Pragas

Mites and thrips are common crop pests. 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 favour anthocorid beneficial insects (marigolds and other composites) and through biological control with predatory mites and anthocorids.

Doenças

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.