Zucchini 'Ronde de Nice'

Cucurbita pepo

• Heirloom from France
• Nutty, rich flavour and creamy texture
• Early to bear fruit
• Vigorous producer
• Unique shape

Heirloom from Southern France with a delightfully nutty flavour and creamy, tender texture. Prolific plants produce round fruit gorgeously striped and speckled green on white. Best harvested when between 7cm in diameter (about the size of a cricket ball). The earliest producing zucchini in our lineup. Beloved by chefs for the rich flavour and round shape and small size and unique in the garden.

Exquisite grilled, when harvested very small (golf ball size), quartered, brushed with olive oil and garlic and turned occasionally until golden brown. Toss them with olives, early season Amethyst purple or lemon basil and spinach for a delightful late Spring salad. Also, delicious braised, baked and stuffed.

We have selected for the earliest production of male and female flowers on an open, stocky bush which stays contained. We start ‘Ronde de Nice’ in Late Winter, protecting them with row covers until they flower, and the weather has warmed. We remove the cover to allow the bees to pollinate the fruit and had the earliest zucchini at market and on the menus. Vigorous producer!

Certified Demeter Biodynamic and Certified Organic

SEED COUNT: 20seeds, 50seeds, 25gm, 100gm approx
Seed Specifications: Cucurbita pepo average 8-10 seeds/gram
Germination: Lot#12828 20 seeds 93% May 2025, 50seeds, 25gm, 100gm 99% May 2025

Seed Raising, Growing and Harvest Information

TRANSPLANT- Days to maturity are from direct seeding, subtract 2 weeks if transplanting. Start transplants 3 weeks before planting date in peat pots or soil blocks for minimal root disturbance. Zucchini or courgettes are sensitive to disturbance with the fine feeder roots being easily broken if you over-handle the plant. Harden off plants by reducing temperature and water. Transplant after last frost with 60cm between plants.

DIRECT SEED - Direct seed as soon as chance of all frost has passed. Optimum soil temperature for germination is about 27°C and little or no germination occurs below 15°C. Sow 2 seeds every 50-60cm in rich soil, thinning to 1 plant.

NOTE - Many growers plant multiple successions of zucchini during a season to ensure continuous harvest, transplanting the first succession immediately after frost-free day and the final succession three months before the expected first frost.