Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima)

Family: Cucurbitaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Cucurbita maxima is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 5 m (16ft 5in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

delicious flavour when baked, rather like a sweet potato. — A delicious flavour when baked, rather like a sweet potato.; The flesh can be dried, ground into a powder and used with cereals in making bread, cakes etc.; Some varieties can be stored for up to 9 months.; Seed - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in the wild. (Zone 2)