Cucurbita pepo "Speckled Swan"
A large aptly named gourd. The 12-16” neck curves around the base and looks very swan-like. Skin is dark-green with light-green speckles. Fruits average 3lbs and are 3” wide and 16” tall. A gorgeous ornamental! Plants produce 2-3 fruits each.
Type: AnnualSun: Full
Planting Depth: 1”
Spacing: 36”
Water: Moderate
Days to Maturity/Bloom: 125 days
Height: 24-36”
Zones: 3-9
Planting Instructions
Type: AnnualSun: Full
Planting Depth: 1”
Spacing: 36”
Water: Moderate
Days to Maturity/Bloom: 125 days
Height: 24-36”
Zones: 3-9
Approx seeds per order 15
Squash needs full sun and a long growing season. Start seeds indoors if you are in a cooler climate. They generally need between 70-100 days so make sure you choose a variety that has enough time to reach maturity in your climate or that you are starting them inside soon enough.
Direct sow when all danger of frost has passed. Plant 3-4 seeds 1" deep in large mounds around 6-8' apart.
Squashes grow on vines that can reach 30 feet long so make sure you have lots of space in the garden for them to stretch out, or train the vines to a trellis or support system. This works especially well with smaller squashes – larger ones are too big to be supported on a trellis. Another option is to plant them around the edge of the garden and direct the vines around the sides. Squash can also be planted in rows 6'x6' apart.
Transplant seeds when all danger of frost has passed. The seedlings are extremely tender and cold temperatures will kill them. The soil temperature should be at least 65F. Squash plants need about 2" of water per week. They are heavy feeders and benefit from manure, compost, or other fertilizers.