Single Gete Okosomin Winter Squash on a white background.
A single Gete Okosomin or Kentucky Winter Squash resting on the end of wooden covered wagon.
A farmer in a straw hat holding a bountiful harvest of Gete Okosomin or Kentucky Winter Squash in the field.
Gardener holding a Gete Okosomin or Kentucky Winter Squash in the garden at Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead.
Gete Okosomin or Kentucky Winter Squash cut open to show the orange flesh on white marble countertop.
Single Gete Okosomin Winter Squash on a white background.
A single Gete Okosomin or Kentucky Winter Squash resting on the end of wooden covered wagon.
A farmer in a straw hat holding a bountiful harvest of Gete Okosomin or Kentucky Winter Squash in the field.
Gardener holding a Gete Okosomin or Kentucky Winter Squash in the garden at Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead.
Gete Okosomin or Kentucky Winter Squash cut open to show the orange flesh on white marble countertop.

Winter Squash Seeds,
Gete Okosomin or Kentucky

4.327 Reviews#SQ317 · 10 seeds
Price
Regular price $6.00
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Description

(Cucurbita maxima). Gete Okosomin earned fame as the "800 year-old squash," with a story that the seeds had been found in a buried clay ball in Wisconsin. In fact, this banana type Native American variety has been stewarded by the people of the Miami Nation for countless generations. Its name translates to "cool old squash" in the Anishinaabe language. The magnificent fruit runs about 2 to 3 feet long and weighs up to 18 pounds. The color is a rich, bright orange, with lighter orange striping running the length of the banana-shaped fruit -- so beautiful! Gete Okosomin also proves to be delicious—sweet, with hints of melon, and possessing a wonderful smooth texture. We thank Roger Smith for bringing this squash to our attention.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita maxima
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
105–115
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Gete Okosomin squash seeds outdoors after the last frost date in your area, when the soil temperature has reached at least 70 F. In most regions, this will be in late spring. For an earlier start, seeds can be sown indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost and transplanted once the danger of frost has passed. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow the seeds about 1/2-1 inch deep in small pots indoors or directly into the garden. Outdoors, plant 4-5 seeds per hill, spaced 6 feet apart. If starting indoors, transplant the seedlings when they are strong enough and the soil has warmed up. Thin the seedlings to the three strongest per hill once they are a few inches tall. If transplanting, be careful not to disturb the roots while doing so.

How to Grow

Gete Okosomin squash requires regular watering, about 1-2 inches per week, especially during dry periods. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. The vines can grow up to 25 feet, so space them adequately or consider growing them vertically on a trellis to save space. Fertilize with a balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer once the plants begin to flower to encourage fruit development.

How to Save Seeds

  • There are four different species of squash: Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata, and C. mixta. They will not cross pollinate with each other, so it is possible to grow one of each species for seed saving without worrying about cross pollination.
  • If you are planning to grow several varieties of more than one species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.
  • Whether it is a summer or winter squash, you must let the fruit completely mature before extracting the seeds, and cure for at least two weeks.
  • Scoop the seeds, place them in a bucket, and add just enough water to cover. Let sit at room temperature to ferment for two days before rinsing off the pulp.
  • Lay seeds out to dry on newspaper or paper plates.
  • Stored in a cool, dry place, seeds will remain viable for up to four years.

FAQ

How long does it take for Gete Okosomin squash to mature?

It typically takes 105-115 days from planting to harvest, depending on growing conditions.

Can Gete Okosomin squash cross-pollinate with other squash?

Yes, this squash can cross-pollinate with other Cucurbita maxima varieties. If you want to preserve the purity of the variety, consider hand-pollinating flowers and/or isolating plants.

How large do Gete Okosomin squashes grow?

They can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh around 18 pounds.

Browse our full range of winter squash seeds.

Customer reviews

4.3 / 5 27 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Heavy producer: Very prolific; several growers harvested a dozen or more squash.

  • Huge, long fruit: Fruits can top 20 pounds and run two to three feet long.

  • Mild, sweet flesh: Sweet, creamy flesh for pumpkin pies, though a few found it bland.

  • Needs lots of room: Rampant vines sprawl far and take over; give it a big space.

  • Heads up: Squash bugs and vine borers took down a few plants; watch for them.

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