Cucurbita pepo

HISTORY
One of the oldest squash varieties, introduced to colonial gardeners in the early 1700s by the Lenape people of the Delaware Valley.

HABIT
Bush-type plant considered the best summer squash by many gardeners. Pale yellow fruits with sweet, buttery taste and firm texture. Harvest when young (6 to 8 inches) for best flavor. Fruits develop “warts” as they mature.

CULTURE
Plant seed outdoors after frost danger is past or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks earlier.
Traditionally planted in “hills” (groups of 3 to 5 seeds), but can also be planted in rows or large pots.
Cover seed with 1/2 inch of fine soil.
Germinates in 7 to 14 days depending on weather.
Thin to allow each plant 2 square feet.
Keep fruits picked for continuous harvest.
Matures in 45 days.