Agricultural Information:

Plant Family: Cucurbitaceae
Scientific name: Cucurbita pepo

Summer squash plants are an annual plant that is bushy and sprawling, with large, rough leaves and bright yellow or orange flowers native to the Americas. The fruits are typically harvested young, while their skin is still tender and edible. Common shapes include elongated (like zucchini), scalloped (pattypan), or crookneck.

Summer squashes are commonly eaten raw, sautéed, grilled, roasted, baked into breads, or spiralized as noodles. The blossoms are also edible and often stuffed or fried.

The term “summer squash” refers to its short storage life compared to winter squashes (like butternut squash), which can be stored for months.

Halachic Information:

Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem (interplanting: annuals & grapevines): Summer Squash have a high tendency to spread in fields. Some opinions state that a distance of two cubits (approx. 1 m) must be maintained from other species in all directions. If planting two different gourd species, the required separation is four cubits (approx. 2 m). This distance must also be maintained from grapevines.

Grafting: In recent years, due to reduced pesticide use, various gourd species—such as watermelon, melon, cucumber, and zucchini—have been grafted onto pumpkin rootstocks. While grafting dissimilar species is forbidden under the kilayim prohibition, but the resulting vegetable (or fruit) is permitted to eat post-facto. Currently, the research department at Torah VeHa’aretz Institute is researching ways to develop a commercial watermelon rootstock that meets both halachic and agricultural needs.