Cucurbitaceae

The Curbitaceae Family

Loofah, Cucumber, Winter Gourd, Watermelon, Pumpkin

Annual
Heirloom
Edible parts: Squash fruit is obviously edible. The rinds are edible when the squash is harvested when it is about 2-3” in diameter. The leaves and stems are also edible!
Grows in USDA zones 2-11

Temperature requirements: Minimum outdoor air temperature = 55ºF (12 C). A heat wave won’t kill the plant, but may slow down fruit production midsummer. If started indoors, keep at 70-95ºF *see note in Growing Season section
Soil requirements: Slightly acidic, ideal pH = 5.8-6.8. Well drained, rich soil with 2-4 inches of compost. Amend with perlite or vermiculite or use hill-bucket technique (see space requirements). Mulch with straw for pest prevention
Space requirements: Create hills a foot wide and 2-3 feet apart. Plant 5-6 seeds into the top of the hill, an inch into the soil.
Possible Companion Plants: Plant the "Three Sisters" together: corn, beans, and squash! Or, plant with flowers to promote pollination (as this variety is open pollinated)
Water requirements: 1 inch per week.

Start Date: Direct seeding is ideal and should be done after soil temps reach 65ºF. This usually happens the first or second week of May in our zip code. Plants take ~50 days to mature and then are harvested continuously for 2-5 weeks (plants are often exhausted after producing a large amount of fruit). Plants can also be started in August for a second planting:
- Start date:
  1. 1st planting: 2nd week of May (or when soil temps reach 65º)
  2. 2nd planting: 4th week of August
Thinning date:
- 1. Thin all but the best 2 or 3 seedlings on each hill when they’re 2-3 inches tall
  2. (sprouts 5-10 days after planting)
  3. 1st planting: approx. 1st week of june
  4. 2nd planting: 2nd week of september
Harvest date:
- 1st planting Early July through early august
- 2nd planting: early/mid october through frost

Diseases: Powdery Mildew. A common issue on squash leaves. Treat with neem oil or other gentle cleanser.
Pests:
- Cucumber beetles
- Squash bugs
- Squash vine borers

Temperature requirement:
- Plant after last frost once soil reaches 65-70ºF
- After reaches maturity, should be hardy until heavy frost in the late fall
Soil requirements:
- Slightly acidic, ideal pH = 5.8-6.8
- Must be rich, mix in 2 to 4 inches of compost
- Mulch with straw for pest prevention
Space requirements:
- Quite compact bush variety
- Hills also seem ideal, 3-4 feet apart
- Plant 2-4 seeds in each hill, ½” - 1” deep
Possible companion plants
- 3 sisters again: corn, beans, and squash
- Flowering plants such as cosmos and zinnias
Water frequency
- Lots! An inch (or more) a week.

Thinning date:
- Thin to 2-3 best seedlings on each hill when sprouts are 3-4 inches tall
Harvest date:
- Begins 14-16 weeks after sow
  - Which puts us at late august/early september
- Fruit is ripe when the vine starts to become brittle and the rind loses its sheen

Temperature requirement:
- Hates soil temps under 70º (and doesn’t love it when it’s under 75 either)

Soil requirements:
- Loamy, well-drained, sandy soil
Space requirements:
- Plant in rows, with 18 inches between plants in row and 72 inches between row

Start Date: Start indoors during the first week of May
- For maximal sweetness: Choosing a slightly later growing window will ensure the plants grow the most during late July through August (as hot as possible!) and will be ready to begin harvest at the beginning of the semester.

Start date:
- 1st week of May, indoors
Transplant date:
- 4th/5th week of May
Harvest date: Somewhat continuous for 6-9 weeks, starting around the middle of July. Harvest when skin is golden.

Info compiled by Julia Nonnenkamp

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