Hey everyone! I'm growing in Zone 10a in California and I'm on the hunt for squash varieties that grow up instead of out. My growing space is pretty limited, so I'm hoping for some suggestions on squash that can climb a trellis or cage. Any tips for training them or specific varieties that would work well? We love all kinds of vegetables and are excited to find something tasty for our dinner table. Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
I'm trying pattypan squash for the first time this year! They don’t vine as much as zucchinis, so I’ll see how they manage in my 15-gallon grow bags. Should be interesting!
Good luck with those! They can spread quite a bit, so bagging them should help control their growth.
Almost any squash can be trained to grow up a trellis! Stuff like zucchini and yellow squash (both straight and crookneck) do really well. Just tie the stems to the trellis to help them climb. Even winter squashes like acorn and butternut thrive when trained this way. But keep an eye on them, as heavier squashes might need a little extra support, like pantyhose slings to help hold them up!
Totally agree! I did the same with yellow squash last year—worked like a charm with some fabric strips and an 8-foot stake.
I’m planning to do the same with butternut squash this year. Do you have any tips on how far apart to plant them when training up an arch trellis?
You might want to check out rampicante squash! It can be grown on a trellis and can reach about three feet in length. When picked young, it’s like zucchini, but if you let it mature, it turns a light tan and tastes a bit like butternut squash. Plus, it supposedly resists vine borers! My rampicante grew super tall, almost like a Jack-and-the-Beanstalk situation. ?
I can vouch for rampicante too! They're great because they have a nuttier flavor than traditional zucchini and aren’t watery. Plus, they produce very few seeds!
Yes, I’ve had success with these too! Great for making dishes without all the wateriness.
That’s a clever approach! I think pattypans can still vine a bit, though. I saw one thrive in a similar tough spot last year!