Rolet Gem Squash

Description

Rolet Gem Squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a well known South African favourite. The gem squash has a creamy, pale orange flesh with a lovely texture, making it perfect for sautéing or roasting - and due to its high sugar content it caramelises beautifully. Of all the squashes this is probably the easiest and most reliable one there is. A reliable and heavy cropper, each plant can produce fifteen or more fruits grown on trailing vines.

The dark green spherical fruit, when fully ripe, is about the size of a cricket ball. The young fruit however, is often harvested before it is ripe (about golf ball size) due to its having a more delicate flavour and texture. Mature fruits can be boiled or baked, cut in half and the inside may be covered in butter or brown sugar to enhance flavour. Young fruit, when the skins are still soft and light green, can be picked, cooked whole and eaten with the skins included.

Grow it the same as Pumpkin or Butternut - in hills 1m apart - or they can be trained to 'climb' by tying the sprawling vines to a trellis, fence or net. Also makes an attractive feature on bamboo or cane archways over your garden paths. Recommended as an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects. 70-90 days.

Seeds/Packet: (min. 10 Seeds)

Please see the Winter Squash category page for detailed Growing Instructions or download the PDF guide from this page.