Winter Squash Seeds,
Warsaw Pasta

Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures consistently exceed 60 F. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost and transplant them once the weather has warmed up sufficiently​, as these plants are very sensitive to 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.'

Plant seeds about 1/2-1 inch deep, spacing them 18-36 inches apart in rows or mounds. If using mounds, plant 3-4 seeds per mound, thinning to the strongest seedling once they emerge. Don’t let transplants become rootbound, and make sure not to disturb the roots while transplanting.

Water consistently, providing about 1-2 inches per week. It's best to water deeply at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal issues like powdery mildew. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and keep the soil temperature stable​. Use a balanced fertilizer to promote fruit development over leafy growth​.

• There are four main 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.