Winter squash 'Marina de Chioggia'

Italian bumpy squash with sweet flesh and long shelf life

Winter squash “Marina de Chioggia” ( Cucurbita maxima ), offered by OSC Seeds

A traditional heirloom variety from Italy, this squash produces large, bumpy, gray-green turban- shaped fruits, weighing an average of 4.5 kg . Its dry , orange-yellow flesh is very flavorful and perfect for roasting, soups, gnocchi , tarts, and rustic dishes. Highly regarded for its long shelf life, it is said to keep for 2 to 3 years if properly dried. Also known as "sea pumpkin."

Propagation: Indoor sowing or direct sowing in late spring
Height/Habit: Creeping vines
Package size: Approximately 12 seeds
Harvest time: 110 days
Frost tolerance: Killed by frost
Companion plants: Beans, corn, nasturtiums
Incompatible plants: Other cucurbits that are too similar (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, deep, well-drained soil. Give plenty of space: the vines are vigorous and spread out. Water deeply but avoid overwatering. Harvest when the husk is hard, well-pocked, and fully colored. Allow to dry for several days in the sun before storing in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.