Squash - Vegetable Marrow
Approximately 10 seeds per gram.
Cucurbita maxima
Lot# SQ34113
Vegetable Marrow is a semi bush with some vining. It produces pale yellow oval squash that may or may not have distinguishable ridges and can show some substantial differences in fruit coloration from very pale yellow to greenish white, to darker green, to pale greenish-white with darker green stripes. They are hard shelled when mature at 25-36cm (10-14"). Beneath the hard white skin is a creamy interior that is popular for stuffing and baking. Vegetable Marrow squash seeds are a Lebanese type. They can be picked young when pale green and used like a summer squash. Bush plants are compact and a perfect fit for gardeners with limited space. Plants are prolific and will produce over a long summer season if kept picked. Leave this squash to cure outside for about a week before storing. Squash are easy to grow and easy to harvest. Harvest before your first frost.
- 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 2-3 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 41-61cm (18-24”) apart. Space rows 1.8m (6’) apart if you have the space available.
- Directly sow seed outdoors from late May to mid -June. Sow seeds 2.5 cm (1″) deep in hills 2.4 m (8′) apart with 4-6 seeds per hill. After germination, thin to 3 plants 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, if any can grow to 2-3m (6-10’) long.
- Days to Maturity: 55-65 days.
- Watering: Vegetable Marrow has moderate water requirements. vWater slowly with 2.5-5cm (1-2”) of water per week. Allow the water to completely soak the soil 15-20cm (6-8”) deep. This will ensure good growth, whether vegetables are grown 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 as it 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.
