Squash - Queensland Blue
SKU:
SQ34126A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
per item
Approximately 4-5 seeds per gram.
Cucurbita maxima
Lot# SQ34126
Queensland Blue Squash is an heirloom from Australia that was first introduced to North America in 1932. Queensland Blue produces excellent yields of larger, lightly flattened and ribbed, pumpkin shaped, blue green squashes that can weigh between 2.3-9 kg (5-20 lbs) each. A large vining type habit that grows to 45-60cm (18-24”) tall. Trailing vines can reach 1.8-3 m (6-10’) long. Generally produces 2-3 large squash per plant.
Cucurbita maxima
Lot# SQ34126
Queensland Blue Squash is an heirloom from Australia that was first introduced to North America in 1932. Queensland Blue produces excellent yields of larger, lightly flattened and ribbed, pumpkin shaped, blue green squashes that can weigh between 2.3-9 kg (5-20 lbs) each. A large vining type habit that grows to 45-60cm (18-24”) tall. Trailing vines can reach 1.8-3 m (6-10’) long. Generally produces 2-3 large squash per plant.
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Planting Instructions:
- Squash seedlings do not really transplant that well, but it can be done if you are careful. Start transplants at least 3-4 weeks before last spring frost. Sow 2 or 3 seeds 12mm- 2.5cm (½-1”) deep in pots. When the seedlings are 5-7cm (2-3”) tall, select strongest seedling and thin to 1 plant per pot using scissors. Harden off seedlings gradually by cutting back on water and expose them to sunlight daily. Seedlings should have more than 2 to 3 true leaves prior to transplanting outside. Transplant once the soil is warm up to at least 15-21˚C (60-70˚F). Plant 2 transplants per hill. Space hills 2.4-3.0m (8-10’) apart. If planting in rows space seedlings at 45-60cm (18-24”) apart. Space rows 1.8m (6’) apart if you have the space available.
- Direct sow seeds into garden from late May to mid-June. Sow 3-6 seeds 12mm-2.5cm (½-1”) deep into hills that are 1.8m (6’) apart. Thin seedlings at 2 per hill.
- Soil Conditions: Well worked, rich, loose, well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 5.5-6.5
- Planting Depth: Sow seeds 12mm- 2.5cm (½-1”) deep.
- Germination: 7-12 days.
- Height at Maturity: Plants reach 45-60cm (18-24”) tall. Trailing vines can be reach 1.8-3m (6-10’) long.
- Days to Maturity: Long season 100-110 days.
- Watering: The Queensland Blue Squash has moderate water requirements. Water slowly with 2.5-5cm (1-2”) of water per week. Allow it to completely soak the soil 15-20cm (6-8”) deep. This will ensure good growth, whether vegetables are grown in single hills or wide rows. The amount of rain that falls during the week will help supplement how much you should water your garden. Soil should remain moist. Avoid getting water on the leaves to help control diseases. Water in the morning if possible to allow leaves to dry if they do get wet. This will help in preventing leaf diseases. Decrease watering later in the season to encourage fruit to mature.
- Sun/Shade: Full Sun
- Spacing after Thinning: Space transplant 2-3 plants per hill that are 2.4-3.0m (6-15’) apart if you have the space available.
Additional Information:
Queensland Blue are best harvested when the rind cannot be dented with your thumbnail. Complete the harvest before the first hard frost. Stems and vines will be hard and dry at harvest time. It is often easy enough to snap the fruit from the vine but try and leave a bit of the stem. At the very least leave 5-7 cm (2-3”) of the stem on the fruit to help preserve moisture.
Queensland Blue are best harvested when the rind cannot be dented with your thumbnail. Complete the harvest before the first hard frost. Stems and vines will be hard and dry at harvest time. It is often easy enough to snap the fruit from the vine but try and leave a bit of the stem. At the very least leave 5-7 cm (2-3”) of the stem on the fruit to help preserve moisture.
