Squash and Pumpkins

Cucurbita maxima

C. pepo

C. moschata

C. mixta 

Squash, like beans, corn and tomatoes were domesticated in Central America. Seeds have been discovered in the Andes and in Mexico that carbon dated to 8,000 B.C., making squash one of the oldest domesticated crops. Squash spread north into North America and became an important crop for the native peoples living there. To clear up the biology involved, pumpkins are simply round orange squash, regardless of the species. Squash and Pumpkins cross-pollinate readily with other members of their species, but not with different species. Therefore, a spaghetti squash (C. pepo) will cross with an acorn squash or even a zucchini, but not with blue hubbard (C. maxima) or nippon island (C. mixta). So in a small garden you could save seed from up to four varieties provided they are all different species (and assuming that they don't cross pollinate with your neighbor's squash). You can always hand pollinate to save seed from additional varieties. 

Packet are $3.00 and contain approx. 20 seeds

Blue Hubbard (C. maxima) - Large blue fruit between 10-30 pounds. Hard warty skin makes this variety excellent for winter storage. Fine, sweet, golden flesh is great for baking, pies or soup. Introduced in 1909 by Gregory Seed Company from New England.   Sold Out

Spaghetti Squash (C. pepo) - Small tan fruit with yellow, stringy flesh that can be eaten like spaghetti. We like to cook them by microwaving the halved fruit until tender, then we scoop the flesh into a pan and bake it in the oven.   

Nippon Island (C. mixta) - This Japanese cushaw squash averages 7 pounds. Fruits are dark green, almost black, with undertones of orange. The yellow flesh is good in pies, soups or fried. This variety was introduced to North America in 1884 by Samuel Wilson of Pennsylvania.

Below are the squash Windhorse Farm grew for me last year, the profiles are from them:

(new) Cornell’s Bush Delicata (C. pepo) - (from Windhorse Farm) Delicata is a farm favourite. The delicious nutty flavour and edible skin makes it a great addition to stews or roasts. The green stripes on the cream coloured skin turn to orange in storage.   Sold Out

(new) Jack Be Little Pumpkin (C. pepo) (from Windhorse Farm) Each plant is a prolific producer of tiny orange pumpkins. Mainly grown for decoration, these cute little pumpkins can also be stuffed and baked.   Limited Supply

(new) Lady Godiva Pumpkin (C. pepo) - (from Windhorse Farm) An orange and green striped pumpkin grown for its delicious “naked” green seeds. Flesh is not of table quality, but the seeds are amazing!   Sold Out

(new) Small Striped Sweet Dumpling (C. pepo) - (from Windhorse Farm) A close relative to delicata, these dumplings have the same skin but a more distinct nutty flavour. Perfect for stuffing!   Sold Out

(new) Small Sugar Pumpkin (C. pepo) - (from Windhorse Farm) These are luscious pie pumpkins, with rich and soft textured flesh for the perfect pie.   Sold Out

(new) Table Queen Acorn (C. pepo) - (from Windhorse Farm) These dark green ribbed squash have dry yellowish flesh. A favourite for baking with butter and brown sugar and spices.   Sold Out

(new) Uchiki Kuri (C. maxima) - (from Windhorse Farm) An attractive reddish orange squash, with a thin layer of flavourful flesh.   Limited Supply

(new) Waltham Butternut (C. moshata) - (from Windhorse Farm) The classic butternut, with deep tan skin and orange flesh prized for soups.   Sold Out