Days to Maturity: 100 to 120
An organic heirloom winter squash, Hubbard Blue is grown as a fruit vegetable. Very productive, the plant sets uniquely beautiful pale blue-hued fruits, approximately 15 to 20 inches long with a 9- to 12-inch diameter, weighing about 15 to 30 pounds each. The shell-necked squash has a hard, coarsely warted rind and thick, smooth, golden flesh with a rich, semisweet, nutty flavor, similar to pumpkin. Roast, bake, boil, or steam. Use in soups, stews, casseroles, breads, and desserts. The seeds also make a delicious and nutritious snack. Winter squash is high in fiber, protein, magnesium, potassium, vitamins B6 and C as well as the carotenoids beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
An herbaceous annual, Hubbard Blue is a member of the cucurbit (Cucurbitaceae) family. It grows as a short, restricted vine with a spreading habit, trailing along the ground, or climbing by tendrils. Expect 3 to 5 squash per plant. Open pollinated, it produces seed that will grow true to variety, ideal for seed saving.
Winter squash is easy to grow from seed, growing best in sunny locations with fertile, organically rich, medium moist, well-draining loams having a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. It has intermediate resistance to powdery mildew. Avoid over watering.
A warm-season vegetable, sensitive to cold temperatures and frost, winter squash can be direct sown into warm spring soil after all danger of frost has passed, but it can also be started indoors about 3 weeks before transplanting. Flowers begin to set fruit with day temperatures between 68° and 72°F and night temperatures between 60° and 65°F. Protect plants if temperatures are expected to dip below 50°F. Mulching helps to moderate soil temperature and to maintain soil moisture. Row covers offer added protection from heavy frost.
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
USDA Certified Organic
