Harvesting of Cucurbita maxima, or winter squash, typically begins in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.
winter squash
Cucurbita maxima
Also Known As - winter squashWinter squash (Cucurbita maxima) is an amazing plant species because it produces a wide range of unique varieties. It comes in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures, from delicately sweet and nutty to vibrantly savory. It is extremely nutritious, and offers many vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and fiber. Moreover, it has a long storage life, which means that one can keep it around for a relatively long time while still enjoying its freshness and flavor. Its mild sweetness and versatility make it great for a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasted and mashed. Overall, winter squash is an amazing plant species because of its nutritional and culinary potential.
Cycle:
Annual
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
2 - 11
Flowers:
Pale to deep yellow Flowers In Summer
Sun:
full sun,part sun/part shade
Soil:
Humus rich, Well-drained
Fruits:
green,yellow,orange,white Fruits Ready In Fall
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Moderate
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Winter squash should be watered deeply and thoroughly every 5-7 days. Watering should be done in the morning so the leaves have a chance to dry during the day. If your soil is very sandy or light, you may need to water more often. Winter squash need around an inch of water per week, so make sure the water is penetrating 8-12 inches into the soil.You should aim to keep the soil of your Winter squash consistently moist but well-drained.
sunlight
Winter squash (Cucurbita maxima) does best when exposed to 8-10 hours of direct sunlight each day. This should include both the early morning and late afternoon light, as UV radiation is strongest during this time. The plant will need to be in a spot that provides bright and direct sunlight for a majority of the day. That being said, winter squash can tolerate some shade, however it will still need a minimum of 6-8 hours of sun exposure for optimal growth.
pruning
Winter squash (Cucurbita maxima) should be pruned at the end of the season, around 3 months after planting. It's best to prune away any dead or diseased stems and to trim away additional stems that may be competing with the main leaders for nutrients. Additionally, it is important to keep the plant in a compact shape by pinching off any sucker growth that may be growing beneath the main branches. It is also beneficial to prune off any foliage that may be blocking sunlight and airflow from reaching the internal parts of the plant. Pruning should be done carefully so as to not damage the plant.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Winter squash typically start flowering in July.
Harvest Fruit
Harvesting of Cucurbita maxima, or winter squash, typically begins in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.
