Start indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost, plant out 2 weeks after last frost. Start 3 seeds in flats or 4” pots, thin to 1-2 plants. Direct seed after last frost or soil 70˚F. Seeds will rot in cool wet soil. 5-6 seeds to a 12” diameter hill or disturbed area. Can transplant end of last frost with row cover. Cucurbita maxima is typically cultivated in cooler areas than C. moschata or C. angyrosperma. Cure in warm dry place such as a garage for one week after harvest. Pinch new blossoms midsummer to encourage larger set fruit size. Soil pH 5.1-7.0. Hardiness zones 4-11. Annual.
Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 176-300 seeds per ounce. Average 15M seeds per acre. Federal germination standard: 75%. Usual seed life: 6 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 1/2 mile.
Planting Depth
1/2-1”Soil Temp. Germ.
70-85˚FDays to Germ.
3-10Plant Spacing
18-24”Row Spacing
6’Days To Maturity
100Full Sun,
Moist Well Drained