Cornells Squash Vegetable Seeds, A Guide to Planting and Gardening for Cultivating Flavorful and Nutritious Squash

Here's a detailed growing guide for Cornells Squash Seeds to help ensure a successful, flavorful, and nutritious harvest.

Key Attributes

• Product Name: Cornells Squash Seeds
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated
• Available Quantities: 100, 500, or 1000 seeds per pack
• Mature Size: Vines can reach 4-10 feet; fruit size varies by variety
• Days to Maturity: 50-100 days, depending on the squash type (summer or winter)
• Hardiness: Warm-season crop, frost-sensitive
• Light Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter (pH 6.0–7.5)
• Uses: Excellent for roasting, soups, casseroles, sautéing, and baking

Product Details

• Germination Rate: High for reliable growth
• Seed Freshness: Newly harvested for optimal germination
• Origin: Sustainably sourced
• Shelf Life: Best planted within one year for maximum viability

Planting Instructions

Seed Preparation

• No special preparation required.
• Optional: Soak seeds in warm water for 6-12 hours to encourage faster germination.

Sowing Guidelines

Indoor Sowing:

• Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost.
• Plant seeds 1 inch deep in biodegradable pots to avoid transplant shock.
• Maintain soil temperature at 70-85°F (21-29°C) for best germination.
• Transplant outdoors once nighttime temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C).

Outdoor Sowing:

• Direct sow after the last frost when soil temperature reaches at least 65°F (18°C).
• Sow seeds 1 inch deep, placing 2-3 seeds per hill, spaced 3-5 feet apart.
• Thin to the strongest plant per hill once established.

Germination

• Typically occurs within 7-14 days under optimal conditions.
• Keep soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.

Spacing & Growing Conditions

• Bush Varieties: 3 feet apart
• Vining Varieties: 5-6 feet apart with 6-8 feet between rows
• Mulching: Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Trellising: For vining squash, use a sturdy trellis to save space and improve airflow.

Care & Maintenance

• Watering: Provide deep watering 1-2 times per week, adjusting based on rainfall.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and a phosphorus-rich fertilizer when flowering.
• Pollination: If fruit production is low, hand-pollinate by transferring pollen between flowers.
• Pest & Disease Control: Monitor for squash bugs, vine borers, and powdery mildew; use row covers or neem oil if needed.

Harvesting

• Summer Squash: Harvest when fruits are 6-8 inches long for the best texture, usually within 50-60 days.
• Winter Squash: Allow to fully mature on the vine, harvesting when the rind is hard and deep in color, typically after 80-100 days.
• Cut squash with a sharp knife, leaving a 1-2 inch stem attached to extend shelf life.
• Store summer squash in the refrigerator for up to one week and winter squash in a cool, dry place for several months.