Organic 'Sweet Meat Winter Squash' Pumpkin
Cucurbita maxima.
Product code : GAIAS-0254
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.
Practical guide
How to use it
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
01 Comment conserver les semences de Courge citrouille d hiver Sweet Meat Winter Squash avant le semis?
02 Comment semer Courge citrouille d hiver Sweet Meat Winter Squash?
03 Quelles conditions favorisent la germination de Courge citrouille d hiver Sweet Meat Winter Squash?
04 Où installer Courge citrouille d hiver Sweet Meat Winter Squash au jardin?
05 Quand et comment récolter Courge citrouille d hiver Sweet Meat Winter Squash?
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