A cut and whole Guicoy Winter Squash stacked on a light background.
A gardener&
Guicoy Winter Squash with items from Central and South America on a teal blue background.
Cut and whole Guicoy Winter Squash with broken pots against a vintage wood background.
A trio of Guicoy Winter Squash in a wooden box on copper background.
Cut and whole Guicoy Winter Squash with pies and bread on a grey background.
A cut and whole Guicoy Winter Squash stacked on a light background.
A gardener&
Guicoy Winter Squash with items from Central and South America on a teal blue background.
Cut and whole Guicoy Winter Squash with broken pots against a vintage wood background.
A trio of Guicoy Winter Squash in a wooden box on copper background.
Cut and whole Guicoy Winter Squash with pies and bread on a grey background.

Winter Squash Seeds,
Guicoy

51 ReviewSKU: #SQ276
Price
Regular price $4.00
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Min. 20 seeds

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Description

(Cucurbita pepo). A beautiful, dramatically ribbed squash of antiquity that has been prominently depicted in late Maya period art, it remains a delicious staple in its native region. Long vines produce flattened fruit appearing in tones ranging from green to deep yellow. The most delicious fruit is harvested when young and thin-skinned; however, it can be allowed to mature to a tasty and very ornamental pumpkin (the mature fruits average just under 2 pounds apiece). This ancient variety is depicted in late Maya pottery and was featured on a major Maya archeology website.

Growing Tips: Guicoy squash, a winter variety, grows best in warm, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, work compost or aged manure into the soil to boost fertility. This squash variety requires full sun, preferably 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily, to thrive.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita pepo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
8–12 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

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Guicoy squash after the last frost in spring when soil temperatures have reached at least 60 F, ideally around 70 F, as these plants are really sensitive to frost. In cooler climates, seeds can be started indoors about 4 weeks before the last frost and transplanted outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. The plants typically mature in about 100 days, making them suitable for most growing seasons. 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

Directly sow seeds in the garden or transplant seedlings after the soil has warmed. Plant the seeds 1/2-1 inch deep in small mounds or rows. Space mounds about 4-6 feet apart, thinning to the two or three strongest plants once the seedlings are 4-6 inches tall. Rows should be spaced 4-8 feet apart to allow room for vines to spread.

How to Grow

Guicoy squash needs consistent moisture, with deep watering at least once a week to ensure the soil remains moist about 8 inches deep. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and control weeds. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer or compost every 3-4 weeks during the growing season to support the heavy feeding needs of the plants. Additionally, squash plants benefit from regular pruning to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of diseases.

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 do I prevent pests like squash vine borers and squash bugs?

Cover the base of the plants with aluminum foil or use row covers. For squash bugs, regularly inspect the undersides of leaves for eggs and remove them. Organic methods like diatomaceous earth can also be applied to deter pests.

How can I tell when Guicoy squash is ready to harvest?

Guicoy squash is ready to harvest when the skin is hard and cannot be easily punctured with a fingernail. The stem will also start to dry out and turn brown. Harvest before the first frost to avoid any damage to the fruit.

How can I improve pollination for my Guicoy squash plants?

Guicoy squash has both male and female flowers on the same plant, which require pollinators like bees to transfer pollen. To improve pollination, plant flowers such as marigolds, zinnias, or borage nearby to attract pollinators. Avoid using insecticides that could harm these beneficial insects.

Browse our full range of winter squash seeds.

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