Believed to have originated in South America, this squash is very large with a light blue/green warted shell. The rind is particularly hard, making it a good keeper. The flesh is bright orange, very sweet and often baked or used for pies. This variety can grow to more than 20 pounds but is most often harvested when it weighs 5-10 pounds. 110 days.

Packet size: 4.5 grams (approximately 15-20 very large seeds)

WINTER SQUASH

WHEN TO PLANT: Late summer planting

DEPTH OF PLANTING: 1" deep

PLANTS APART IN ROWS (AFTER THINNING): 3 feet apart

DISTANCE BETWEEN ROWS: 6 feet apart

RAISED BED PLANTING GUIDE: After thinning, plants should be 2-3 feet apart throughout bed.

SOIL TYPE RECOMMENDED: rich, composted soil

HARVEST: Grow squash to maturity, skin should be hard. Leave stem on harvested fruit.

NOTE: Squash is very susceptible to frost. Usually planted in hills with 6 plants in each hill; hills 6 feet apart.

TUCSON PLANTING INFORMATION: Winter varieties may be planted in spring, March 1 through May 1 and again July 1 to August 25. Squash does very well in Tucson. For hardiest plants, sow as early after last frost as possible.