Type
straightneck yellow
Summer Squash variety
Early Prolific Straightneck Summer Squash
A classic yellow summer squash that starts early and produces heavily. Fruit is best picked young for tender texture.
Days to maturity
45 to 50
Best for
quick harvests, frying
About Early Prolific Straightneck
Early Prolific Straightneck is an open-pollinated heirloom summer squash prized for early, heavy yields of straight, lemon-yellow fruit. The skin is smooth to lightly bumpy and the creamy flesh has a mild, classic summer-squash flavor. Plants grow on a compact bush habit, which makes them a good fit for smaller gardens and containers.
Growing Early Prolific Straightneck Summer Squash
Space bush plants about 2 to 3 feet apart in full sun once the soil has warmed. Harvest the fruit young at roughly 4 to 6 inches long for the best texture, and pick often to keep the plants setting new squash. Scout for squash bugs and squash vine borers, and watch for powdery mildew as the season winds down.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all summer squash, see the complete guide.
How to grow Summer SquashOther summer squash varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.