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Winter Squash Seeds, Blue Hubbard
Description
(Cucurbita maxima). The famously long-lasting Hubbard squash arrived in Marblehead, Massachusetts, in 1854 aboard a ship from the West Indies. Seeds from the large green squash, originally from South America, were given to local seedsman J.H. Gregory. A skilled breeder, Gregory developed a unique blue-skinned variety and dedicated his career to promoting it. Gregory credited a Miss Hubbard with gifting him the seeds, claiming she called it the best-tasting squash she’d ever tried. Another account suggests Miss Hubbard bred the squash herself from seeds brought by a ship captain. Either way, the blue Hubbard squash, weighing 15-40 pounds, is prized for its long shelf life of up to 6 months, making it a favorite for restaurants and large meals.
- 110 days to maturity
- 6-8 hours of full sun
- Sprouts in 5-10 days
- Seed Depth: 1/2-1’
- Plant Spacing: 18-36"
- Ideal Temperature: 70-95 F
- Frost Hardy: No
Growing Tips
Blue Hubbard squash grows best in full sun, which is crucial for the plant's development and fruit production. The soil should be rich, well-drained, and amended with compost or aged manure to provide the nutrients necessary for the large fruits this variety produces. Regular, deep watering is essential, particularly during the flowering and fruiting stages. To prevent diseases, it’s important to water at the base of the plant, keeping the foliage dry.
When to Grow
Plant Blue Hubbard squash after the danger of frost has passed and when the soil temperature is at least 70 F. This variety requires a long growing season of around 110 days to fully mature, so it’s important to plant early enough to avoid frost damage in the fall. In cooler climates, you might consider starting seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date and transplanting them outside once the soil has warmed sufficiently.
How to Sow and Plant
Blue Hubbard squash seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors. When sowing outdoors, plant the seeds 1/2-1 inch deep in mounds spaced 6-8 feet apart to accommodate the vigorous vines. If starting indoors, sow the seeds in biodegradable pots and transplant the seedlings into the garden once they have been hardened off and the soil temperature has reached 70 F. Don’t let transplants become rootbound; don't disturb roots while transplanting. Thin the seedlings to one or two of the strongest plants per mound after germination to ensure adequate space for growth​.
How to Grow
Blue Hubbard squash plants are heavy feeders, requiring regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer when planting, and switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer when the plants begin to flower to promote healthy fruit development. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and reduce weeds. The plants are susceptible to pests like squash bugs and diseases such as powdery mildew, so regular monitoring and the use of organic pest control methods are recommended.
How to Save
- 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
Is Blue Hubbard squash frost hardy?
No, Blue Hubbard squash is not frost hardy. It should be planted after the last frost in spring and harvested before the first frost in fall. Protection from early frosts is necessary to ensure the squash reaches full maturity.
How long can Blue Hubbard squash be stored after harvesting?
It can be stored for up to 6 months when properly cured and kept in a cool, dry, and dark environment. After harvesting, the squash should be left in a warm, sunny spot for about two weeks to cure, which hardens the skin and enhances its storage life. Once cured, it should be stored at temperatures between 50 F and 55 F.
What are common pests and diseases that affect Blue Hubbard squash?
It can be affected by common pests like squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and vine borers. To manage these pests, use row covers, practice crop rotation, and consider organic insecticides if infestations occur. The plant is also prone to diseases like powdery mildew, which can be minimized by ensuring good air circulation around the plants and avoiding overhead watering​.
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