Smarag Gem Squash
OUTSTANDING QUALITIES
- HIGH YIELD POTENTIAL
- EXCELLENT STORAGE LIFE
- DARK GREEN FRUIT COLOUR
Smarag is a Cucurbita pepo gem-squash which has become a standard in this class. In many gem-squash producing areas, Smarag is being used as a direct replacement for Rolet with trial and field plantings indicating the possibility of a 30 % increase in yield. Vines are extremely vigorous and fruit size is better than that of Rolet. Production in winter in sub-tropical areas is very successful. The fruit retain the dark green colour longer than Rolet and the flavour is considered superior. The fruit is a globe shape and very dark green in colour. Smarag is widely adapted and is generally used as mature gem squash, but can also be used as baby and young gems.
SPECIAL VARIETAL REQUIREMENTS
- Contact the area representative for more information
CHARACTERISTIC*: SMARAG
KIND: Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.)
TYPE: Gem squash
MATURITY:
Baby: 55 days after sowing
Mature: 75 days after sowing
SEASON: Widely adapted for production after danger of frost has passed
PLANT TYPE: Full vine
FRUIT SHAPE:
Baby: Oval to globe
Mature: Globe
FRUIT SIZE:
Baby: 3.5 x 3.5 cm
Mature: 8 x 9 cm weighing approximately 300 g
FRUIT COLOUR INTERNAL: Cream-yellow
FRUIT COLOUR EXTERNAL: Dark green
SHELF LIFE:
Baby: Good compared to baby marrows
Mature: Excellent
UNIFORMITY: Very good
DISEASE REACTION (SCIENTIFIC): –
PLANT SPACING GUIDE: 1.5 m between rows x 45 cm in the row
POPULATION GUIDE: 15 000 final stand per ha
AVERAGE SEED COUNT: 10 000 – 12 000 seeds per kg
SEED REQUIREMENT: 1.5 – 2 kg per ha
MARKETS / END USE: Fresh market and pre-pack
SPECIAL FEATURES: Superior open pollinated selection
