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Ecologically grown open-pollinated heirloom seeds; not certified organic Cucurbitaceae

‘Gold Nugget’ winter squash, ecologically grown seeds

Name: ‘Gold Nugget’ winter squash, ecologically grown seeds ( Cucurbita pepo )
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Cucurbita pepo

Product code : GAIAS-0257

Small light-orange bush squash suited to short seasons and limited space. Ecological heirloom; maturity in 85 days. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

‘Gold Nugget’ winter squash, ecologically grown seeds (Cucurbita pepo) This compact squash suits gardens where space and season length are limited. A 1966 All-America Selections winner, Gold Nugget was developed as a sweet-potato substitute for regions with short growing seasons. Its flattened oval fruit weighs 1 to 2 pounds and has light-orange skin and flesh. The bushy plant concentrates up to ten fruit near its base. The packet contains approximately 10 ecologically grown seeds; Gaia does not identify them as certified organic. This is an annual open-pollinated heirloom. Kew recognizes Cucurbita pepo as an accepted botanical name in the Cucurbitaceae family. The compact habit also makes harvesting easy because fruit remains close to the centre of the plant.

Soak seed in warm water for up to 24 hours and lightly scarify the coat to improve germination. Start seed indoors three to four weeks before the last frost. Sow 1 inch deep and maintain the medium at 27 to 35°C; germination generally takes 7 to 10 days. Transplant only after all frost risk has passed and soil reaches approximately 25°C. Space plants 15 to 18 inches apart and rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Harden seedlings gradually for several days before planting outdoors. Move seedlings into bright light after emergence and water gently to settle the roots without saturating the soil. Protect young plants from sudden cold nights during establishment.

Grow Gold Nugget in full sun and rich loose soil that remains evenly moist while draining well. Plants reach approximately 12 to 18 inches high and spread 36 to 48 inches. Maturity occurs after approximately 85 days, making it suitable for shorter Canadian summers. Harvest when colour is rich, the rind resists a fingernail, and the ground spot becomes cream, gold, or orange. Cut fruit with approximately 2 inches of stem, then cure in a warm dry place. Store cured fruit at 10 to 12°C with 55 to 75% relative humidity and good airflow. Gaia also identifies the young leaves and flowers as edible. Lift mature fruit from underneath so the protective stem remains attached.

Uses in the garden

Use its bush habit in a sunny bed or very large container. Fruit forms in clusters near the base, making it easy to see and harvest. Keep fruit on dry mulch to limit contact with wet soil. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

01 How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains approximately 10 ecologically grown seeds. Gaia does not identify them as certified organic. Gold Nugget is an annual open-pollinated heirloom. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

02 How should the seeds be started?

Soak seed for up to 24 hours, lightly scarify it, then sow 1 inch deep in pots three to four weeks before the last frost. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.

03 How long does germination take?

Germination generally takes 7 to 10 days at 27 to 35°C. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

04 How should planting be organized?

Space plants 15 to 18 inches apart and rows 24 to 36 inches apart. The bush habit spreads approximately 36 to 48 inches. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

05 When should it be harvested?

Harvest near 85 days when the rind resists a fingernail. Cut with 2 inches of stem, cure warm, and store at 10 to 12°C. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.