Cucurbita moschata
squash
A winter squash species from which several commercial cultivars have been produced. Cylindrical fruits with a bulbous end furthest from the stalk are produced on trailing vines in excess of 4m (13ft) long. The smooth hard-skinned fruits store well once ripe and are a variable pale orange with sweet, bright orange flesh. They can reach around 3.5kg (almost 8lbs) in weight
Other common names
American squashCanada pumpkin
see morecrookneck squash
cushaw
Japanese pie pumpkin
musk melon
pumpkin
Quaker pie pumpkin
sweet potato pumpkin
winter crookneck squash
winter squash
butternut squash
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | Orange | |
| Autumn | Orange | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- If crop is bitter, don't eat. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
A small genus of climbing or trailing, annual herbaceous fruits. Several edible species are cultivated for food and other uses. Native to Central and South America. Solitary, star-shaped flowers are usually golden-yellow. Leaves are palmately lobed, covered with tiny, prickly hairs
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moisture retentive but well drained, acidic to neutral soil in full sun. Sow indoors March to May in good quality seed compost. Sow the seeds on their side 1cm deep and maintain a constant temperature of 18-21C. Feed regularly with a high potassium fertiliser when the first fruits start to swell. See squash cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews
Get involved
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