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Winter Squash Seeds, Essex Hybrid
Description
(Cucurbita maxima). This large, warted heirloom squash, featured in J.H. Gregory’s 1883 seed catalog, is described as a cross between a turban and a Hubbard squash, known for its heavy yield and distinctive appearance. This ornamental pumpkin was popular, especially among New England seed companies. However, it eventually fell into obscurity and became quite rare. We are delighted to see this old New England heirloom resurrected and used for everything from autumnal displays to pumpkin soup and bread! Rich, sweet flavor.
- 100 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, Tricks and FAQs
Growing Tips
Essex Hybrid Winter squash prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. To encourage its growth, it's important to regularly water and fertilize throughout the growing season. Ideally, the temperature should be between 70 F and 95 F, and the plant should receive 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
When to Grow
Plant Essex Hybrid Winter squash after the last frost when soil temperatures consistently exceed 65 F. In most areas, late spring to early summer is ideal for direct sowing. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the soil has warmed up.
How to Sow and Plant
Sow seeds 1/2 t0 1 inch deep, spaced 18-36 inches apart, with rows 6-8 feet apart to accommodate the sprawling vines. If you are short on space, consider growing the plants vertically using a sturdy trellis. Thin seedlings to the strongest plant per spot to ensure optimal growth. If transplanting, be careful not to disturb the roots while doing so.
How to Grow
Maintain consistent moisture by watering deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Essex Hybrid Winter squash is a heavy feeder, so applying a balanced fertilizer every few weeks will support healthy growth and fruit production.
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
Can Essex Hybrid Winter squash be grown in containers?
This variety is not ideal for container growing due to its large, vining habit, which requires substantial space.
How do I improve the fruit set on Essex Hybrid Winter squash?
To do so, ensure that both male and female flowers are present. If female flowers are not developing properly, consider hand-pollination by transferring pollen from male flowers to female flowers using a small brush. Additionally, avoid overhead watering during flowering to reduce the risk of blossom rot.
How should I store Essex Hybrid Winter squash after harvest?
After harvesting, cure the squash by letting them sit in a warm, sunny spot for about 10-14 days. This process hardens the skin and enhances storage life. Once cured, store the squash in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 50-60 F. Properly stored, Essex Hybrid Winter squash can last for several months.
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