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 (6–8") for best flavor. Fruits develop “warts” as they mature.

Culture:

Plant seed outdoors after frost danger is past or start indoors 4–6 weeks earlier.
Traditionally planted in “hills” (groups of 3–5 seeds), but can also be planted in rows or large pots.
Cover seed with ½" of fine soil.
Germinates in 7–14 days depending on weather.
Thin to allow each plant 2 square feet.
Keep fruits picked for continuous harvest.
Matures in 45 days.