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Annual Biennial

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 squash
Canada 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 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green Orange
Autumn Orange Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Trailing
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. 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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