Organic 'Blue Hubbard' squash

Organic 'Blue Hubbard' squash (Cucurbita maxima) from the seed company Gaia, a giant heritage blue-grey squash with fine, dense and flavorful flesh

The 'Blue Hubbard' squash is an iconic heirloom variety, known for its massive fruits weighing 5 to 40 lbs , measuring approximately 28 cm (11″) in diameter. Its bumpy, pale blue-green-grey rind protects dense, fine-textured, orange to golden-yellow flesh that is slightly stringy around its large central cavity. Once cooked, it becomes tender, rich, and semi-sweet , reminiscent of the deep flavor of roasted pumpkin . It is an exceptional winter squash for long storage and nourishing recipes.

Companion plants : Corn, Climbing beans, Peas, Radishes, Sunflowers, Parsley, Celery, Buckwheat, Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Oregano
Nefarious plants : Tomato, Eggplant, Potato, Pepper

Spread/Habit : Very vigorous trailing plant
Plant height : 30 to 60 cm (creeping vines)
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Special features : Giant fruits (5–40 lb), very tough rind, excellent shelf life, fine and dense flesh, semi-sweet flavor

Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Tender, sweet, rich flesh, similar to cooked pumpkin
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 them to facilitate germination.
Sow indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost . Transplant outdoors in late May–early June , when the soil reaches at least 25°C .
Sow at a depth of 2.5 cm (1″) .
Spacing: 38–45 cm between plants and 60–90 cm between rows.

Place in full sun (level 3) and water regularly but moderately (level 2).
Germination in 7 to 10 days between 21 and 35 °C (optimal 27–35 °C).
Maturity: 105–110 days .

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest when the squash displays a rich color , a rock-hard rind (resists nailing) and a spot on the ground turning creamy yellow or orange.
Leave 2″ of stem to reduce the risk of rot.
Allow to ripen in a dry, warm place before storing.
Store at 10–12 °C , with 55–75% humidity and good ventilation.

Usage ideas

• In very nourishing purees and velvety soups
• Roasted in cubes to develop its mild, starchy flavor
• In winter stuffings or rustic gratins
• In pastry making (cakes, muffins, tarts)
• As a base for curries, soups, and ravioli

The 'Blue Hubbard' squash is a delicious, robust, and long-keeping heirloom giant , perfect for gardeners wanting impressive fruit and a deep flavor typical of the best winter squashes.