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Squash - Hopi Orange

SKU: SQ34151A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
Unavailable
per item
Approximately 5 seeds per gram.
Cucurbita maxima
Lot# SQ34151
A cultural addition to our food source from the Hopi.  The Hopi orange is a large reddish-orange winter squash type that is an excellent keeper.  The squash weigh between 4.5-6.8 kg (10-15lbs) when fully mature. The flesh is yellow to orange and possesses an excellent flavour.   They are an excellent variety for baking, roasting, and making soups.
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 has warmed 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 41-61cm (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 or 6 seeds 12mm- 2.5cm (½-1”) deep into hills that are 1.8m (6’) apart.  Thin seedlings to 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 45-78cm (18-30”) tall. Trailing vines can be reach 3-4.5m (10-15’) long.
  •  Days to Maturity:   Long season 90-110 days.
  • Watering:  Moderate water requirements. Water slowly with 2.5-5cm (1-2”) of water per week. Allow water to completely soak the soil 15-20cm (6-8”) deep. This will ensure good growth, whether plants 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 2-3 plants per hill, 2.4-3.0m (6-15’) apart, if you have the space available.
Additional Information
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 leave 5-7 cm (2-3”) of the stem on the fruit to help preserve moisture.