A heat-loving vine grown from slips. Needs a long, warm season to size up its roots.
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Full sun
Zones 5–11
12–18 in apart, rows 36 in apart.
Loose, sandy, well-draining soil; pH 5.5–6.5. Too much nitrogen grows vines, not roots.
About 1 in/week; tolerates dry spells once established. Stop watering a couple weeks before harvest.
May – Jun
Sep – Oct
Plant rooted slips after the soil is warm and nights stay above 60°F. Harvest before frost, then cure at warm, humid conditions for 1–2 weeks to sweeten and toughen the skins for storage.
Good with Bush bean, Thyme, Marigold. Keep apart from Squash, Tomato.