Row by Row Episode 239: Secrets of Winter Squash
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Why do we LOVE squash at HOSS? Squash is a super popular and diverse vegetable to grown in the garden. Did you know that there are three different major species of squash? Like peppo, moschata, or maxima? Each squash species has different growth habits, storage lengths, days to maturity, and much more. What type of squash are you growing this season? Let's Grow Together!
Summer vs Winter Squash
What are the differences between summer and winter squash? Summer squash is soft-skinned, making it more tender and moist overall. Winter squash from summer squash in that it is harvested and eaten in the mature stage when the seeds (inside the vegetable) have fully matured. Unlike summer squash, which will only last 4-5 days with proper refrigeration, many winter squash varieties can be stored throughout the winter.
Species
Pepo
Pepo squash includes summer squash like yellow zucchini and yellow squash, as well as winter squash such as scallop-type squash, sweeter-type squash, and some pumpkins like Blaze and Harvest Jack. They do not vine but instead form a "bush" with the fruits growing in the center of the plants. The winter squash types of this species will store for 30 days after harvesting. They take 100 days to reach maturity and do well in raised beds.
Moschata
Moschata squash includes some pumpkin types like Long Island Cheese and Seminole, as well as butternut squash. They produce climbing vines that could benefit from a trellis in some cases. Since they are winter squashes, they will keep 4-6 months if stored properly. They tend to be more heat tolerant and less prone to the vine borer compared to other species.
Maxima
Maxima squash includes some pumpkins, particularly our "competition" size varieties like the Prizewinner, and smaller types like the Cinderella pumpkin. Maxima also includes some winter squash like Hubbard squashes. They have lots of vines that are good for a trellis. Since they are winter squashes, they will keep 4-6 months if stored properly. They take 95-100 days to reach maturity. These squashes tend to have unique flavors and they tend to have less flowers than other species.
