Musquee de Provence Pumpkin, ecologically grown seeds(Cucurbita moschata)

Name: Musquee de Provence Pumpkin, ecologically grown seeds ( Cucurbita moschata )
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Product code : GAIAS-0302

The 'Musquée de Provence' pumpkin is an open-pollinated French heritage variety. Its flattened and deeply ribbed fruits transition from fawn brown to warm orange as they ripen. The dark orange, dense, and sweet flesh is suitable for soups, pies, baking, and purees. This vigorous annual plant requires full sun, plenty of space, and a long growing season of approximately 110 days. The packet contains 20 organic seeds. For best results, sow in warm, rich, well-drained soil, then maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil. Fully ripe fruits can be stored for several months after proper drying.

Musquee de Provence Pumpkin, ecologically grown seeds (Cucurbita moschata) This open-pollinated French heirloom develops large, flattened fruit with deep ribs. Tan-brown skin turns warm orange at maturity. Dense, sweet, deep-orange flesh is excellent roasted, puréed, or used in soup, pie, and bread. The packet contains 20 ecologically grown seeds; Gaia does not present them as certified organic. The annual plant forms long trailing vines that require generous space. Fully mature fruit can keep for several months when the rind remains sound and pumpkins are properly cured after harvest. Its distinctive shape and colour also make it attractive for autumn displays before culinary use.

Start seed indoors three to four weeks before the last frost in individual pots, or direct sow after frost danger has passed and the soil is thoroughly warm. Plant approximately 1 inch deep. Germination generally takes 7 to 10 days at 21 to 35°C. Soaking and scarification are not required. Harden seedlings gradually before transplanting. Grow in full sun and rich, loose, well-drained soil. Space plants 2 to 5 feet apart with 6 to 8 feet between rows. Water deeply at soil level and allow foliage to dry quickly. A light mulch applied after the soil warms helps reduce evaporation and keeps developing fruit cleaner.

Allow approximately 110 days to maturity. Fruit is ready when colour is uniform, the rind resists a fingernail, and the stem begins to dry. Harvest before a hard frost while retaining about 2 inches of stem, then cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place. Store only sound pumpkins in a cool, dry, ventilated area without stacking them. Check fruit periodically and use any pumpkin that softens or becomes damaged promptly. Clean, freshly picked male flowers may also be cooked without reducing the number of already pollinated female fruit. Mature flesh can be portioned and frozen after cooking for convenient winter meals.

Uses in the garden

Install ‘Musquée de Provence’ at the edge of a large vegetable garden so its vines can trail towards a pathway, lawn, or open space. Each plant requires 60 to 150 cm and rows should be spaced 1.8 to 2.4 m apart. Mulch applied after the soil warms up reduces evaporation and keeps the fruit clean. Place a board or dry layer under the fruits if the soil remains damp. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators essential for fruit set. Avoid moving the vines once young fruits have formed, as they can crack near the nodes. Read the instructions on the packet before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-draining substrate, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their movement. Keep the seedling uniformly moist without leaving standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around the young roots. Place seedlings in bright light immediately after emergence and rotate the containers regularly to promote balanced growth. When multiple seedlings compete for the same space, carefully thin them to keep the most vigorous specimens without disturbing their roots.

01 How much does the sachet contain?

The packet contains 20 seeds. Read the instructions on the packet before you start and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, and well-drained substrate, then moisten it before sowing the seeds to limit their displacement. Keep the seedbed uniformly moist without standing water, as excessive humidity reduces aeration around young roots. Place seedlings in bright light as soon as they emerge and regularly rotate containers to encourage balanced growth. When multiple seedlings compete for the same space, thin them carefully to keep the most vigorous specimens without disturbing their roots.

02 How to start sowing?

Start one seed per pot, 2.5 cm deep, three to four weeks before the last frost. Another option is to direct sow when the soil is warm and the risk of frost is over. Germination usually takes 7 to 10 days at temperatures between 21 and 35 °C. No soaking or scarification is necessary. Keep the substrate moist without waterlogging it, provide bright light after emergence, and gradually acclimate the seedlings before transplanting them into the garden. Space them 60 to 150 cm apart and allow 1.8 to 2.4 m between rows for their long stems.

03 How long does germination take?

Germination generally takes 7 to 10 days when the medium remains between 21 and 35°C, with a warm optimum of 27 to 35°C. Sow about 2.5 cm deep and keep the soil evenly moist, but never waterlogged. No soaking or scarification is necessary. Too low a temperature slows emergence and increases the risk of rot. Once seedlings appear, place them under bright light and allow the medium to dry slightly on the surface between waterings. Handle roots as little as possible during transplanting. Read package directions before starting and save the label to track the variety throughout the season.

04 How to organize planting in the garden?

Allow plenty of space: 60 to 150 cm between plants and 1.8 to 2.4 m between rows. The edge of a garden bed is ideal for directing stems towards a pathway or open area. Full sun, rich, well-drained soil, and deep watering at the base promote good growth. No specific companion plants are necessary; above all, avoid excessive competition and keep flowers accessible to bees. Rotate with plants from other families and avoid growing Cucurbits in the same spot each year. Mulching after the soil warms up helps stabilize moisture.

05 When should we harvest?

Harvest after about 110 days, when the skin has a warm, uniform color, the rind resists a thumbnail, and the stem begins to dry. Cut the fruit before a hard frost, leaving about 5 cm of stem; never lift it by the stem. Allow it to dry in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place, then store it without stacking in a cool, dry place. Regularly check the rind and quickly use any fruit that softens or shows damage. A healthy, well-dried pumpkin can be stored for several months. Read the instructions on the packet before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season.