Winter Squash Seeds, Gete Okosomin or Kentucky

Sku:
#SQ317
Minimum seed count:
10
star-filled
4.2
25 Reviews
$6.00

Description

(Cucurbita maxima). Gete Okosomin, often called the “800-year-old squash,” is a banana-type Native American variety carefully preserved by the Miami Nation for generations. Its name means “cool old squash” in Anishinaabe. The seeds were mistakenly believed to have been found in a buried clay ball, but they were actually passed down within the Miami Nation of Indiana. This large, beautiful squash reaches up to 18 pounds in weight and 2-3 feet in length. It has a rich orange color with lighter striping and offers a sweet, melon-like flavor with a smooth texture.  Learn more >>

  • 105-115 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

The Gete Okosomin squash requires a sunny location with rich, well-drained soil. The soil pH should ideally range between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, it's beneficial to amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to ensure the plants receive ample nutrients throughout the growing season.

When to Grow

Plant Gete Okosomin squash seeds outdoors after the last frost date in your area, when the soil temperature has reached at least 70 F. In most regions, this will be in late spring. For an earlier start, seeds can be sown indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost and transplanted once the danger of frost has passed.

How to Sow and Plant

Sow the seeds about 1/2-1 inch deep in small pots indoors or directly into the garden. Outdoors, plant 4-5 seeds per hill, spaced 6 feet apart. If starting indoors, transplant the seedlings when they are strong enough and the soil has warmed up. Thin the seedlings to the three strongest per hill once they are a few inches tall. If transplanting, be careful not to disturb the roots while doing so.

How to Grow

Gete Okosomin squash requires regular watering, about 1-2 inches per week, especially during dry periods. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. The vines can grow up to 25 feet, so space them adequately or consider growing them vertically on a trellis to save space. Fertilize with a balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer once the plants begin to flower to encourage fruit development.

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

How long does it take for Gete Okosomin squash to mature?
It typically takes 105-115 days from planting to harvest, depending on growing conditions.

Can Gete Okosomin squash cross-pollinate with other squash?
Yes, this squash can cross-pollinate with other Cucurbita maxima varieties. If you want to preserve the purity of the variety, consider hand-pollinating flowers and/or isolating plants.

How large do Gete Okosomin squashes grow?
They can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh around 18 pounds.

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Winter Squash Seeds, Gete Okosomin or Kentucky
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