DESCRIPTION
Growing Non-GMO Cushaw Orange Winter Squash Vegetable Seeds
How to Grow Cushaw Orange Winter Squash from Seed
Winter squash seeds are a full sun staple best if sown directly after the final spring frost but, for earliest starts, begin indoors 3-4 weeks prior. Plant 2-3 seeds 1" deep per cell in medium moist, Organic, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5-7.0. Whether transplanting or sowing direct, plant seeds on 6-8" tall mounds of soil to accommodate heavy trailing, vining vegetation.
Cushaw Orange Winter Squash in the Vegetable Garden
Cushaw Orange pumpkins are an excellent variety to grow at home. They have creamy and tender gold flesh with smooth orange rinds. They have an exaggerated pear shape, with a thick base and a curved neck. Each one grows around 20" long. Sow seeds indoors or outdoors in the spring or early summer in full sun. After 110 days, pumpkins are ready for harvest. Flesh is sweet, and tastes excellent baked or used in pies. They are also excellent fall decorations. Annual.
Harvesting Cushaw Orange Winter Squash
Most small to medium winter squash are ready to harvest about 100 days from sowing while larger varieties require an extra few weeks. Regardless of color or size, winter squash are generally ripe once the stem is solid and rind is tough, unable to be pierced by a fingernail. Clip squash from the vine with shears leaving about 4" of stem intact and, once harvested, leave out to naturally cure in the sun for 10-14 days. The curing process will help winter squash last up to 3 months longer after harvesting.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Cucurbita argyrosperma
|
Other Names: |
Cushaw Pumpkin, Japanese Pie Pumpkin |
Cushaw Orange Color: |
Greenish-grey motted and striped flesh with traditional orange meat |
Cushaw Orange Flavor: |
Rich, sweet, and savory similar to butternut or pumpkin |
Growing Info
Days to Maturity: |
95-105 Days |
Hardiness Zone: |
Annual 3-11 |
Days to Maturity: |
95-105 |
Days to Germination: |
4-14 |
Seeding Depth: |
1 Inch |
Plant Height: |
9-15 Inches |
Row Spacing: |
4-8 feet |
Growth Habit: |
Heavy-spreading and vining mound |
Soil Preference: |
Medium moist, Organic, fertile, well-drained |
Temperature Preference: |
60-85 °F |
Light Preference: |
Full sun |
Other
Plant Width: |
4-8 feet (vining) |
Pests and Diseases: |
Monitor regularly for disease-carry pests such as squash bugs, squash borers, and cucumber beetles. |