Whole Candy Roaster Winter Squash with slices on a white background.
Candy Roaster - North Georgia Winter Squash with a recipe on a plate on a light blue background.
A Trio of Candy Roaster - North Georgia Winter Squash against a Eucalyptus tree.
A smiling girl holding an armful of Candy Roaster - North Georgia Winter Squash in a field.
Candy Roaster - North Georgia Winter Squash cheesecake surrounded by squash.
A smiling mother and son holding Candy Roaster - North Georgia Winter Squash in the field.
Whole Candy Roaster Winter Squash with slices on a white background.
Candy Roaster - North Georgia Winter Squash with a recipe on a plate on a light blue background.
A Trio of Candy Roaster - North Georgia Winter Squash against a Eucalyptus tree.
A smiling girl holding an armful of Candy Roaster - North Georgia Winter Squash in a field.
Candy Roaster - North Georgia Winter Squash cheesecake surrounded by squash.
A smiling mother and son holding Candy Roaster - North Georgia Winter Squash in the field.

Winter Squash Seeds,
Candy Roaster - North Georgia

4.483 ReviewsSKU: #SQ240Min. seed count: 20
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Description

(Cucurbita maxima). Here is a smaller strain of Candy Roaster from northern Georgia. This type of squash is famous among the people of the Southeast. Pink, banana-shaped fruit has a blue tip and weighs around 10 lbs. Delicious, smooth orange flesh is great for pies and is perfect baked or fried. Hard to find and quite beautiful.

Growing Tips: The North Georgia Candy Roaster grows best in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Make sure that it receives 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Regular watering is essential, especially during the fruiting stage, to prevent stress and ensure healthy development.

Plant Details

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

When to Grow

Plant after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 65-70 F. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the soil has warmed. This squash typically requires 95 days to mature, and sprouts form in 5-10 days. 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, with a spacing of 18-36” between plants, and 4-6 feet between rows to accommodate the vigorous vines. Planting on small hills or mounds can improve drainage and soil warmth, which is beneficial for this variety​.

How to Grow

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season to support the plant's high nutrient needs. Because the vines can be quite extensive, consider training them on a trellis or allowing them to sprawl across open space​.

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

How long can I store North Georgia Candy Roaster?

When cured and stored properly in a cool, dry place, it can last up to 6 months.

What pests are a concern when growing North Georgia Candy Roaster?

Squash bugs and vine borers can be problematic. Regular monitoring and organic control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, can help manage these pests.

How do I know when North Georgia Candy Roaster is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the stem turns brown and woody, and the skin becomes hard and cannot be easily pierced with a fingernail. After harvesting, cure the squash in a warm, dry place for about a week before storage.

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