Winter Squash Seeds

Cucurbita sp. (check for each variety’s description for the species)

Native to Central America and Mexico, winter squash was brought to North America by Indigenous people for whom, along with beans and corn, it is an integral part of their agricultural system. After European colonization, fruits were taken to Europe and eventually other parts of the world, including Turkey, through trade routes. The term “winter squash” refers to when the fruits are eaten, not when the plants are grown.

Growing Tips:

• Direct-seed the seeds in compost-rich, fertile and well-drained soil after last frost in spring.
• Water regularly at flowering stage.
• Mulch at plant base to retain soil moisture during growth.
• Watch for squash bugs and vine borers. Moschata varieties are usually more tolerant to squash vine borers, thanks to their hard, difficult-to-penetrate vines.
• Vining varieties require a lot of space to crawl.
• Winter squash thrives in warm weather.