Green Striped Cushaw Winter Squash on a white background.
A freshly harvested pile of Green Striped Cushaw Winter Squash with one cut open.
Farmer holding a large Green Striped Cushaw Winter Squash at the Baker Creek Trial farm in California.
Green Striped Cushaw Winter Squash in the field with Northern California mountains in the background.
Close-up of Green Striped Cushaw Winter Squash in the field.
Green Striped Cushaw Winter Squash on a white background.
A freshly harvested pile of Green Striped Cushaw Winter Squash with one cut open.
Farmer holding a large Green Striped Cushaw Winter Squash at the Baker Creek Trial farm in California.
Green Striped Cushaw Winter Squash in the field with Northern California mountains in the background.
Close-up of Green Striped Cushaw Winter Squash in the field.

Winter Squash Seeds,
Green Striped Cushaw

4.539 Reviews#SQ163 · 20 seeds
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Description

(Cucurbita argyrosperma). Big, white fruit with small green stripes; oblong with crooked necks and bulbous bottoms. The large vines are vigorous. A Native American squash with an ancient history. Great for fall pumpkin sales.

Plant Details

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

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Green-Striped Cushaw squash after the last frost in spring when soil temperatures reach at least 65 F. In cooler climates, you can start the seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outside once the danger of frost has passed. This squash typically requires around 95 days to mature, so ensure you have a long enough growing season. 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 directly into the garden in mounds that are about 6 inches high and spaced 4-6 feet apart to accommodate the sprawling vines. Plant 4-6 seeds per mound and thin them out to the two or three strongest seedlings once they’ve grown a few inches tall. The seeds should be planted about 1/2-1” deep.

How to Grow

Water the plants deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. While pruning isn't necessary, removing dead or diseased leaves can improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Fertilize the plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer to support their rapid growth and heavy fruit production.

How to Save Seeds

  • There are four main 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

What is the ideal soil pH for growing Cushaw squash?

The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5. Adjust the pH if necessary before planting.

How big do Green-Striped Cushaw squash get?

They typically grow to 12-18 inches long and weigh between 10-20 pounds.

How do I know when Cushaw squash is ready to harvest?

The squash is ready to harvest when the rind has hardened enough to resist a thumbnail and the fruit has reached its full creamy-white ground color with green stripes. Additionally, the stem should be dry and brown. Harvest the squash before the first hard frost to avoid damage.

Browse our full range of winter squash seeds.

Customer reviews

4.5 / 5 39 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Big harvests: Often 10 or more squash per vine, many 8 to 15 pounds.

  • Pie squash: Prized for pumpkin pie; a childhood garden memory for many.

  • Shrugs off pests: Holds up to vine borers and squash bugs better than most.

  • Needs room: Vines run 20 feet or more; plan on real space or a trellis.

  • Heads up: Powdery mildew can hit late in wet years; fruit still ripens.

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