Mixed Winter Squash (Cucurbita moschata)
4
Saved (StellaLou Farm, Cochranville, PA)
Life Cycle
Annual
Category
Pack Date
Vegetable
2020
Requirements
Direct sow outside 1-2 weeks after your average last frost date, when soil temperature is 70-85F.
Seed depth 1". Seed spacing 2-3 seeds per mound, mound spacing 4-6'. 5-10 day to emerge. When 3 leaves per plant, thin to 1-2 plants per mound. 90 days to maturity. 6 foot vines.
Seed Saving
The best squash must be chosen at full maturity. Remove the seeds, separate from pulp and rinse remainder of pulp off. Cure thoroughly by laying seeds out on a screen or paper plate. Seeds are fully cured when outside shell has hardened.
Additional Info
The original seed source was Lofthouse Landrace Moschata. StellaLou saved seed from this variety, repeatedly planting from saved seed for several years. The seeds that remain are open pollinated and selected as the best for our growing area.
Winter squash should be harvested when the rind loses its shine, becomes dull and can no longer be dented by a fingernail. Leaving one inch of the stem on the squash will also help when storing them. Keeping good ventilation and air temperature between 45°F and 60°F is ideal.