An Ayote Green Flesh Winter Squash cut in half to show the green flesh.

Winter Squash Seeds,
Ayote Green Flesh

3.616 ReviewsSKU: #SQ223Min. seed count: 10
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Description

(Cucurbita moschata). To find this variety in its native land, you'd have to trek to the remote mountainside of Guatemala. The good news: You can still be a botanical explorer by creating a home in your backyard for this exotic green-fleshed pumpkin. The flavor will blow you away! Eaten raw, there's tropical fruity hints even described as papaya or banana. Cooked, its flesh is dark, as sweet as chocolate, and needs no enhancement. We've been looking for this pumpkin for years and have finally sourced seed that can produce in northern backyards.

Growing Tips: Ayote Green Flesh winter squash needs plenty of space to thrive. Ideally, each plant should have about 8 to 10 feet of room to spread. This variety prefers full sun, which means it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow well. The soil should be rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Consistent, deep watering is crucial for the plant's health, particularly during the flowering and fruiting stages. However, avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita moschata
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
125
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Planting Ayote Green Flesh winter squash requires careful timing to avoid frost damage and ensure a full growing season. Seeds should be sown outdoors 1-2 weeks after the chance of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to at least 70 F. For gardeners in regions with shorter growing seasons, starting the seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost is advisable. This gives the plants a head start. This variety needs about 125 days to mature, so it's essential to plant early enough to allow the fruits to develop fully before the first autumn frost​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

When planting Ayote Green Flesh, seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors. If sowing directly, plant the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Sow seeds 1 foot apart in rows, and rows should be 6-10 feet apart if vining types are grown. When plants get to be about 6 inches tall, you can thin to two to three feet apart in the rows.

How to Grow

Ayote Green Flesh Winter squash is a heavy feeder, meaning it requires regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Initially, a balanced fertilizer is recommended, followed by a high-phosphorus fertilizer when the plants begin to flower. Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, which is particularly important for this variety. Pests like squash bugs and cucumber beetles, as well as diseases such as powdery mildew, can pose significant challenges. Using row covers, practicing good garden hygiene, and applying organic insecticides can help manage these issues​.

How to Save Seeds

  • There are four different species of squash: Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata, and C. mixta. They will not cross pollinate with each other, so it is possible to grow one of each species for seed saving without worrying about cross pollination.
  • If you are planning to grow several varieties of more than one species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.
  • Whether it is a summer or winter squash, you must let the fruit completely mature before extracting the seeds, and cure for at least two weeks.
  • Scoop the seeds, place them in a bucket, and add just enough water to cover. Let sit at room temperature to ferment for two days before rinsing off the pulp.
  • Lay seeds out to dry on newspaper or paper plates.
  • Stored in a cool, dry place, seeds will remain viable for up to four years.

FAQ

Can Ayote Squash be grown in containers?

Not well. This is a long-vining variety that wants 8 to 10 feet of ground per plant and a full 125-day season, so it is not suited to container growing. Bush winter squash varieties are the better choice for pots.

How long does Ayote Squash take to mature?

Typically, it takes around 125 days from planting to harvest, depending on growing conditions.

What are common pests for Ayote Squash?

Common issues include pests like squash bugs and diseases like powdery mildew. Ensuring proper spacing, using row covers, and avoiding overhead watering can help mitigate these problems.

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