Astra Polka
Variety
Approved Data
created by sara.tiger93 at 29.05.2023
Location
Greenhouse
Bed
Bucket
Outdoor
Resistances
downy mildew resistant
Fruit shape
elongated
clubbed
Growth habit
bushy
Color
dark green
speckled
Propagating
Planting
Harvest
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
"Astra Polka" (Cucurbita pepo) is an annual plant that develops a bushy growth habit. One of the advantages of this early, very productive variety is its high resistance to downy mildew. It develops elongated, club-shaped, dark green and glossy fruits that are highly valued for their excellent taste. Its flesh is crunchy, firm and creamy white. The fruits contain large amounts of vitamins C, B1, B2, PP and provitamin A and are also an important source of fiber and minerals. The young, 18-22 cm long zucchini fruits in particular are becoming increasingly popular due to their great taste.
Non hybrid
Not frost resistant
Zucchini can be grown from direct sowing in the field or from seedlings grown earlier. Growing from seedlings allows for earlier harvesting. Transplant the seedlings to the target location in the second half of May, when the risk of frost has passed. At this time, direct sowing of zucchini seeds is also possible. "Astra Polka" produces fruit from July until the first frosts in the fall. Zucchinis grow very quickly. However, apart from their high water and nutrient requirements, they are quite undemanding. A lack of water or nutrients and other stress factors lead to the increased formation of male flowers, which cannot form fruit. In order to form fruit, the female flowers must be fertilized. The first fruits should be harvested relatively small. In combination with regular harvesting, this will stimulate flower and therefore fruit formation. Cool and wet weather sometimes leads to poor fruit formation, which is due to a lack of pollination under these weather conditions. The plants are also susceptible to mildew under these conditions. In cooler weather, the plants prefer to produce male flowers.
Light requirement
Sunny
Water requirement
Very humid
Soil
Light (sandy)
Nutrient requirement
High
Seeding distance
100 cm
Row spacing
100 cm
Seeding depth
2 cm
Angular leaf spot of cucumber
Soft rot
Grey mold
Powdery mildews
Spider mites
Leaf-miner flies
White fly