SQUASH Seeds, Saffron

Saffron (Cucurbita pepo 'Saffron') is a heirloom straightneck summer squash with glossy, bright-yellow fruit and tender, mild flesh. A productive, easy-to-pick variety for steady summer harvests.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Cucurbita pepo 'Saffron'
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated summer squash
• Days to maturity: about 50 to 55 days
• Fruit size: about 6 to 8 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Spacing: 24 to 36 inches apart
• Planting depth: 1 inch

Best for

• Grilling and sauteing
• Fresh slicing for salads
• Stir-fries and side dishes
• Steaming
• Freezing

How to grow

Direct sow 1 inch deep in warm soil after the last frost. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and water consistently. Harvest young at 6 to 8 inches while the skin is still glossy, and pick often to keep the plants producing.

Flavor profile

Mild, lightly sweet, and tender with a delicate summer-squash flavor.

About 99Heirlooms

99Heirlooms specializes in non-GMO, open-pollinated heirloom seeds chosen for flavor and reliability, so you can grow proven varieties and save seed season after season.