Description

DELICATA SQUASH (C. pepo) is a rare heirloom first introduced in 1894 by Peter Henderson. The oblong 1-3 pound fruits are white with green stripes and flecks that grow on compact plants that spread only 4'-6' and produce 5-7 fruits per plant. Very high sugar content, so the flesh is fine and sweet with some comparing to butter & sugar! This variety is a special selection from Wild Garden Seed known as "Zeppelin" which has had the bitterness gene selected out. Good for almost any winter squash recipe you could make but especially treasured because the skin is so fine and tender you do not have to peel for roasted recipes such as a roasted winter squash salad. Slices are so pretty! And does not require curing to achieve delicious flavor. Note: Has a long growing season, but short shelf life (approximately 6 weeks, which is why you won't see these in the grocery very often, if at all, making it a stand out at the Farmers Market). 100 days. 10 seeds.

GROWING TIPS: Popular summer and winter squash have basically the same growth requirements. They are all heavy feeders requiring rich composted soil and specific organic amendments depending on type. Gardeners all have their "secret recipes" for squashes - everything from beer to milk to who knows what! It is fun to experiment! Wait until the soil is warm to plant seeds, or transplants. Once established, the winter squash will remain productive until cooler weather sets in. In fact, you can successfully grow squash right in your compost pile! Be on the lookout for squash borers! They enter the vine at the soil line and leave a pile of "crumbs". They will decimate your plants, so when you see evidence of them, use a knife to slit the vine until you find them, remove and crush them, then use sarah wrap to close the vine and bury the vine up to a point where it is whole. It will root again at the point and you should be fine. Most winter squashes are large, vining plants that require lots of room to grow. Fruit are harvested when they are mature and have hard rinds. Winter squash fruit can be stored in a cool, dry location for 1 to 6 months.