Smooth Criminal, (F1) 'Vertical' Squash Seed

Smooth Criminal (F1) Squash Seed

Vertical nearly spineless plants transform squash harvesting
Fruit forms along an accessible upright central stem
Tender pale-yellow squash carries creamy white flesh
Stake or trellis plants to support continuous yields

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Cucurbita pepo

Days to maturity

50 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

15 Seeds

About Smooth Criminal, (F1) Squash Seed, Squash Seed

Smooth Criminal is an exceptionally easy-to-harvest yellow straightneck squash thanks to its unique upright, indeterminate growth habit and nearly spineless stems. The plant grows vertically, setting fruit along a central stem instead of forming a dense, scratchy mound, making picking fast and comfortable. It produces tender, pale yellow squash with creamy white flesh and excellent flavor, perfect for grilling, sautéing, or baking. Highly productive from early season through frost, Smooth Criminal delivers beautiful, uniform fruit with none of the usual harvest hassle. Best if using a stake or trellis to help support this plant.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Days to Germination

4–10 days

In-row plant spacing

18-24"

Row Spacing

Plant profile

Maturity

Fall

Life Cycle

Annual

Growth Habits

Compact, Upright

Type

SUMMER SQUASH

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

250

Color

Tan

Seed Type

Hybrid, Organic

Growing Season

Warm-Season Crop

Before Planting

Squash grows best in a full-sun, warm location with fertile, well-drained soil and ample space for vines. Incorporate compost and correct nutrients according to a soil test, then shape raised beds or hills where drainage is slow. Wait until the soil is warm, and install trellises before planting if squash will be trained vertically.

Planting

Squash can be direct-sown after frost when soil reaches about 65–70°F, or started indoors 3–4 weeks earlier in individual cells. Keep the medium warm and evenly moist until emergence. Harden seedlings gradually and transplant without disturbing the sensitive roots. Space bush summer squash 18–36 inches apart and long-vining winter squash 6–10 feet apart.

Watering

Maintain even soil moisture for squash during bloom and fruit development, providing about 1–2 inches weekly when rainfall is short. Deep, soil-level watering supports uniform fruit and reduces stress without keeping the bed saturated.

Fertilizer

Side-dress squash with balanced fertilizer after establishment and again as flowering or fruiting begins. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage while reducing flowers, fruit, or maturity.

Harvesting

Harvest squash when fruit reaches the variety’s expected size, color, and firmness. Cut or twist gently without damaging stems, and pick regularly so overmature fruit does not slow continued production.

Tips

Train squash vines onto sturdy supports when practical, securing heavy fruit with slings. Remove row covers once flowering begins, and hand-pollinate if fruit starts swelling then aborts.

AVG. Seeding Rate

300 seeds/100'; 22,000–26,000 seeds/acre

Pests & Diseases

Powdery and downy mildews, bacterial wilt, Phytophthora blight, gummy stem blight, and mosaic viruses affect squash. Plant resistant varieties, rotate cucurbits, control cucumber beetles, and avoid saturated beds. Remove permanently wilted or mosaic vines and discard fruit with water-soaked, sunken, or expanding lesions.

Squash is especially vulnerable to squash bugs, vine borers, and cucumber beetles, with aphids and mites possible in hot weather. Exclude early pests with row cover, then uncover for pollination and scout frequently.