Organic 'Sweet Meat Winter Squash' Pumpkin
Organic 'Sweet Meat' winter squash (Cucurbita maxima) from Gaia Seeds, a heritage variety from the American Northwest, sweet, large, and with exceptional storage qualities.
Sweet Meat is an iconic heirloom winter squash from the Pacific Northwest , prized for its round, slate-gray , 10- to 15-pound fruits with rich, sweet, tender, and incredibly flavorful flesh . Its deep flavor makes it the essential ingredient in what many call “the best pumpkin pie on earth.” Highly vigorous, it develops thick vines 30–45 cm tall and 2–3 m (6–10 ft) long, covered in trichomes (small protective hairs) and bearing large, trumpet-shaped , orange-yellow flowers . Its exceptional storage capacity makes it a perfect variety for food self-sufficiency.
Companion plants : Corn, Climbing beans, Peas, Radishes, Sunflowers, Parsley, Celery, Buckwheat, Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Oregano
Nefarious plants : Tomato, Eggplant, Potato, Pepper
Spread/Habit : Vineyard, thick vines
Plant height : 30 to 45 cm (12–18″)
Quantity per packet : 15 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Fruits 10–15 lb, slate grey skin, exceptional keeping qualities, rich flavour ideal for pies, thick vines with trichomes
Leaf color : Medium green, with visible trichomes
Texture/flavor : Dense, sweet, rich flesh, perfect roasted or in a pie
Cold tolerance : Not tolerant
Resistant to deer (undocumented → left blank)
Farming method
Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for a maximum of 24 hours , then scarify to improve germination.
Sow indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost. Transplant outdoors in late May–early June , when the soil reaches 25°C .
Sowing depth: 2.5 cm (1″) .
Spacing: 38–45 cm between plants, 60–90 cm between rows.
Grow in full sun (level 3) and water regularly but moderately (level 2).
Germination in 7 to 10 days between 27 and 35 °C .
Maturity: 115 days .
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when:
• The skin is tough and resistant to nailing,
• the color becomes intensely slate grey ,
• the stain on the ground turns creamy yellow or orange.
Cut, leaving 5 cm (2″) of stem.
Allow to mature in a dry, warm place , then store at 10–12 °C , with 55–75% humidity and good ventilation.
This variety keeps exceptionally well .
Usage ideas
• In a pumpkin pie of exceptional quality
• In velvety purees and rich soups
• When roasted , which intensifies its sweetness
• Cubed for stews, curries and comfort food
• In homemade stuffings or gnocchi
Sweet Meat is a large, sweet, and reliable squash, ideal for gardens focused on preserving and autumn cooking. An essential heirloom variety for lovers of rich and flavorful squash.
