Pair of Canada Crookneck on a white background.
Cut and whole Canada Crookneck Winter Squash with a dessert recipe on a dark blue background.
Halved and whole Canada Crookneck Winter Squash on a wood cutting board.
A Baker Creek employee holding newly harvested Canada Crookneck Winter Squash.
Pair of Canada Crookneck on a white background.
Cut and whole Canada Crookneck Winter Squash with a dessert recipe on a dark blue background.
Halved and whole Canada Crookneck Winter Squash on a wood cutting board.
A Baker Creek employee holding newly harvested Canada Crookneck Winter Squash.

Winter Squash Seeds,
Canada Crookneck

4.511 ReviewsSKU: #SQ266Min. seed count: 20
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Description

(Cucurbita moschata). Old New England variety, preserved at Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts, where our foundation seed came from. Reportedly originated among the Iroquois Indians. Introduced 1834 by Boston seedsman Charles H. Hovey. This ancestor of today's butternut was described in detail in Fearing Burr's 1865 book Field and Garden Vegetables of America. The bottle-shaped fruit reaches 2 to 4 pounds and has a curved neck and sweet, fine-grained flesh. Resistant to pests and diseases; a superlative keeper. Formerly quite common, it has become very difficult to find. We are pleased to offer it.

Growing Tips: This heritage winter squash thrives in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Make sure it gets 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enhance fertility. Consistent watering, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages, is essential to prevent stress and promote healthy growth.

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
100
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Plant Canada Crookneck squash after the last frost when soil temperatures consistently exceed 65-70 F. In cooler climates, you can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the soil is warm enough. Direct sowing in late spring is ideal for warmer regions. 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

Sow seeds 1/2-1 inch deep, spaced 18-36 inches apart, in rows that are 5-6 feet apart. Alternatively, plant in small mounds to improve drainage and soil warmth. Thin seedlings to the strongest plant per mound or row once they are established. Don’t let transplants become rootbound, and don't disturb roots while transplanting.

How to Grow

This squash requires consistent moisture; water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Apply mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer to support the heavy feeding needs of the plants​.

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

When can I harvest Canada Crookneck squash?

This variety typically takes around 100 days to mature, depending on growing conditions.

What pests and diseases should I watch for?

Common issues include squash bugs, aphids, and powdery mildew. Regular inspection and organic pest control methods like neem oil can help manage these problems.

Is Canada Crookneck squash suitable for small gardens?

Due to its vining habit, it's better suited for larger spaces unless grown vertically on a trellis.

Browse our full range of winter squash seeds.
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