Squash

Basic Information

Seed Number

162

Seed Name

Squash

Variety

Early yellow straight neck

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

Plant Type

Yellow straightneck summer squash (Cucurbita pepo)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 21

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jul 20

Plantable Months

April, May, June, July

Indoor Start

Apr 21 – May 1

Direct Sow

May 19 – Jul 20

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

2 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

5–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

42 days

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70°F+

Planting Depth

1 in

Plant Spacing

24 in

Row Spacing

36 in

Thin-To Spacing

24 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruiting

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

Minimum Container Size

5 gal

Plant Height

18-36 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

Botanical Interests; Rare Seeds; MSU Extension

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow after frost or start indoors 2–3 weeks early
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 15 – Jul 25
Days to Harvest / Bloom: About 45–60 days
Container Friendly: Yes, 5–10+ gal
Pollinator Friendly: Yes; bees are needed for fruit set
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary vegetable
Perennial?: No; annual
Succession / Reusable Notes: A second sowing 3–4 weeks after the first can extend production or replace damaged plants.
Zone 6B Notes: Fast maturity allows more than one planting in Zone 6B.
Companion Plants: Dill, radishes, nasturtiums, marigolds, beans
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Watch squash vine borers, squash bugs, cucumber beetles and mildew. Harvest young and often for best texture.
Sources: Botanical Interests: https://www.botanicalinterests.com/products/early-prolific-straightneck-summer-squash-seeds | Rare Seeds: https://www.rareseeds.com/squash-summer-early-prolific-straightneck | MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar

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Zone 6B: Plant after frost once soil is warm. Its very early maturity allows additional summer sowings if at least 6-8 frost-free weeks remain.
Germination: Warm soil is important for rapid establishment. Avoid cold, saturated planting conditions.
Harvest: Fruit can mature at 12-14 inches but is more tender and succulent when harvested around 5-6 inches.
Seed Saving: As a Cucurbita pepo summer squash, it can cross with other C. pepo zucchini, summer squash, pumpkins and ornamental gourds.
Special Care: The supplied name closely matches the documented heirloom Early Prolific Straightneck, a bright-yellow straightneck squash and 1938 All-America Selections winner. The supplied variety wording is preserved.
Research Source: Urban Farmer — https://www.ufseeds.com/product/early-prolific-straightneck-squash-seeds/SQEPS.html — Cucurbita pepo identity, yellow straightneck type, 42-day maturity, 18-36 inch height, 1-inch sowing depth, 24-inch spacing, 36-inch rows and harvest size
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