'Guatemalan Blue' Winter Squash
description
Slate-blue heirloom squash with a mild flavor and long shelf life
“Guatemalan Blue” winter squash ( Cucurbita maxima ), offered by OSC Seeds
An heirloom variety cultivated for over 1,500 years by the indigenous peoples of South America, this squash produces elongated fruits with a hard , smooth, slate-gray shell. Measuring on average 35 to 40 cm , they offer sweet flesh with a nutty flavor, ideal for soups, purées, and roasted dishes. An excellent storage squash, it is also very vigorous: allow plenty of space, as it can be an aggressive grower .
Propagation: Indoor sowing or direct sowing in late spring
Height/Habit: Creeping vines
Packet size: Approximately 5 to 10 seeds
Harvest time: 90 days
Frost tolerance: Killed by frost
Companion plants: Beans, corn, nasturtiums
Incompatible plants: Other closely related cucurbits (competition)
Planting and maintenance:
Sow indoors 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost, or directly when the soil is warm. Plant in full sun in rich, loose, well-drained soil. Allow plenty of space , as the vines are vigorous and spread out. Water deeply but not excessively, avoiding wetting the foliage. Harvest when the husk has hardened and the slate-blue color is well developed. Store in a cool, dry place for long-term storage.
