Organic 'Pink Banana Jumbo' Winter Banana Squash
Organic 'Pink Banana Jumbo' winter banana squash (Cucurbita pepo) from the seed company Gaia, a giant heirloom variety with sweet flesh and exceptional storage life
The 'Pink Banana Jumbo' winter banana squash develops long, vigorous, creeping vines covered in broad, bright green foliage that supports spectacular fruiting. The elongated, banana-shaped fruits can reach up to 120 cm in length and an impressive weight of up to 30 kg , with a thin, delicate skin that turns a warm, pinkish-orange hue when ripe. The dense, pale flesh remains sweet and not very fibrous , especially when harvested young, while gaining in aromatic richness at full maturity.
This heritage variety has a long horticultural history , with traces of cultivation dating back to pre-Columbian Peru. Introduced to North America at the end of the 19th century, it quickly won over gardeners for its productivity , culinary versatility , and above all, its exceptional storage capacity , which allows it to be enjoyed throughout the winter.
Companion plants: Corn, Climbing beans, Peas, Radishes, Sunflowers, Parsley, Celery, Buckwheat, Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Oregano
Negative plants: Tomato, Eggplant, Potato, Pepper
Spread/Habit: Creeping, very vigorous
Plant height: 40 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet: 15 seeds
Certification: Environmentally friendly product
Special features: Giant fruit, heirloom variety, sweet, non-fibrous flesh, excellent winter storage, open pollination
Leaf color: Bright green
Texture/flavor: Dense, soft flesh, not very fibrous
Cold tolerance: Sensitive to frost
Farming method
Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for up to 24 hours and lightly scarify them to encourage even germination. Sow 2.5 cm deep , directly outdoors when the soil temperature reaches 25°C , or start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost . Transplant outdoors in late May or early June , spacing plants 38 to 45 cm apart and rows 60 to 90 cm apart, in rich, deep, well-drained soil .
Squash prefers full sun (level 3) and regular watering (level 2) , especially during flowering and fruit development. Consistently moist soil promotes the growth of large, well-formed fruit.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit has a rich color , the skin becomes difficult to cut with a fingernail , and the spot on the ground changes from creamy yellow to orange . Cut the fruit, leaving about 5 cm of stem to prevent rot. Let the squash ripen for a few weeks in a warm, dry place, then store at 10-12°C , with 55-75% humidity and good air circulation.
Usage ideas
• Oven or steam cooking for a tender and melting texture
• Winter soups and stews
• Purées and stews
• Canned when harvested young
• Sweet or savory preparations made with squash
The ' Pink Banana Jumbo' winter squash impresses with its monumental size , while also appealing for its delicate flesh and long storage life . A true heirloom of the old vegetable garden, it embodies the generosity and durability of great heritage varieties.
