what is it?

[new dirt digger]

I ordered a variety of Heirloom Zucchini seeds. it is VERY different than anything I have seen before. If it is indeed zucchini it is the size of large softball with a varigated green and white. The plant has squash leaves and flowers. I don't know when it is ripe or what size it will or should grow to. Obviously, I am new to this... so if anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it!!! :D

[Horsea]

Hi. I've grown round zucchini, but I do not know if it is actually an heirloom or not. Depends on your definition, I guess. Anyway, I find that they are best picked and eaten when no larger than a hard baseball. Softball-size is too large already. If you let them grow, they get huge. They taste like regular zucchini.

In the fall we collect the huge ones and play a game called Squash Bowling, where we roll the squash about 10 yards down the septic hill (leach field) toward a barrier, and score points according to where it lands on the barrier (an old carpet held in place with sawhorses.) If the squash is thrown hard enough, it can run right up the carpet and over the barrier, for double points.

Well, I guess I told you more about round zucchini (or the silly game I invented) than you ever wanted to hear.

[goldpearl]

I was looking around today and found a picture of 8 Ball Zucchini, sounds similar to yours on www.laughingstockfarms.com
Looks really cool, maybe good for stuffing? The one pictured is dark green.
LOL @ bowling with zucchini.

[goldpearl]

OOPs its www.laughingstockfarm.com What a difference an s makes!

[Horsea]

When I first clicked onto laughingstockfarms and saw that excited horse, I wondered what the heck you were up to!

Yes, 8 Ball is one of the names it goes by, but in some catalogues it has a French-sounding name that I cannot recall right now.

[ninette4au]

It could be the Zucchini called Ronde de Nice in French or Tonda di Nizza in Italian.
Rose-Marie

[zebraman]

Hey Chai:it is best when picked as a courghette,somewhere between golf ball-que ball size.It will eventually be softball size and really Dark green but won't be food value.Do let one grow full term if you want seed for next year-

[tashak]

I've grown them--they are very tender when small, almost buttery like an avocado, and good raw in salad then. If one hides in the leaves and gets really big, it is still edible but better cooked. (Sliced and then steamed/in spaghetti sauce/stirfried, whatever. Haven't yet stuffed any.)