Heirloom Winter Squash Seed
(Cucurbitaceae)
Heirloom / Open Pollinated Winter Squash is a warm season crop, sensitive to frost and light freezes. Start Heirloom / Open Pollinated Winter Squash indoors 3-4 wks. before last frost date or direct seed outdoors after danger of frost. Plant Winter Squash in full sun. To direct seed, plant 6-8 seeds 1″ deep in 1′ diameter hills, thinning to 3 or 4 plants at the set of true leaves. Or plant Winter Squash Seeds in rows 1″ deep, 2′ apart. Keep rows and hills 6′ apart. Germination should occur in 5-10 days at 65-85°F. Keep soil just-damp during germination, or seeds may rot. Harvest when Winter Squash rind has hardened and finger nail requires pressure to pierce rind. Leave 2-3″ stem on when cutting from plant for longer storage.
