Since reading the The Resilient Gardener, I have been looking forward to growing more of Carol Deppe’s vegetable varieties. One of the more recent varieties, called Goldini zucchini, was released in 2016. I had heard of it previously, but had never had a chance to grow it until this last year. However, it was not Goldini I purchased, but an improved line of Goldini, called Goldini 2, which was just recently released.
The most important thing for me about zucchini is texture and flavor. Remaining tender until very large is highly important, as is having a pleasing flavor too. Those of us who home garden are not as concerned about ability to ship the product as we are in having strong healthy plants that produce tender delicious fruit.
Goldini was a result of crossing an F2 Gold Rush Hybrid with Costata Romanesco, with the Romanesco as the pollen receiver and female parent for Goldini. Goldini has the flavor reminissent of a Costata Romanesco with the easy-to-find yellow color of the Gold Rush.
Another aspect of this variety that makes it
really worth growing is its adaptability to be consumed raw, cooked, or dried to later provide an ingredient in soups and stews.
My experience with the Goldini 2 was very
positive. In relation to other open-pollinated varieties, it was highly
productive and very good. I would definitely recommend this variety to anyone
else who would like to produce a heavy crop of delicious yellow summer squash.
Goldini Zucchini 2 -- extremely disappointing
ReplyDeleteBottom line: Five Goldini Zucchini 2 seedlings planted in a 12 cubic foot raised bed, and a grand total of four proper sized zucchini were produced. I realize these zucchini are smaller than most other varieties. The soil contains large amounts of compost. Lots of water with potassium dissolved in it. Full sun in the morning; part sun in the afternoon and evening. Almost-daily manually pollination by me. Lots of powdery mildew. I pruned all old leaves located below the current flowers/fruit. *Lots* of male flowers. Female flowers were sparse until mid-August. The attached photo shows three plants On August 15. You can see 21 mini zucchini. Only one actually flowered, and it grew to a size of only 4" long and 1" diameter. My 27 tomato plants (11 varieties), Cool Breeze cucumbers, and Minnesota Midget Melons are doing very well, although they are in-ground in a different part of my yard. Suggestions for next year? I have half a seed packet remaining.
Hey there Kevin. Thank you for all the detailed specifics. I'm not sure if it is one thing that could be causing issues, or a combination of things. It could be overcrowding, too little or too much potassium or phosphate, insufficient direct sun, the watering, soil, or a number of things. I would definitely try growing just one or two plants next year in a different location.
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