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 moschata needs more heat than C. pepo and C. maxima to mature fruit. Pinch new blossoms midsummer to encourage larger fruit. Will not store well after hard frost damage. Store in a cool, dry place. Ideal temperatures are between 50–60° F and humidity of 50-70%. Once the fruit has matured, the seeds will be done developing. Seed development is unrelated to the ripening process of the fruit. Soil pH 5.8-7.0. 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
100–110Full Sun,
Moist Well Drained