Squash, Winter : Cushaw White

Easy to grow with huge yields and good resistance to squash bugs

A rare Cushaw type with white skin and sweet pale orange flesh. Easy to grow with huge yields and good resistance to squash bugs. A popular heirloom from the south.

Cucurbitaceae Cucurbita mixta

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Squash, Winter: Cushaw

Cushaw White

Cushaw Squash is a type of winter squash closely related to pumpkins, and is also known as Pepian. This plant's adaptation to Squash Vine Borers makes it competitive in commercial growing. In the South US it is commonly grown for pies, and is actually preferred over the pumpkin! It also has medicinal properties.

Winter squash is a summer-growing annual vegetable, in the same family as summer squash. Unlike summer squash, though, winter squash is harvested and eaten in the mature fruit stage, when the seeds within have matured fully and the skin has hardened into a tough rind. At this stage, most varieties of this fruit can be stored for use during the winter. It is generally cooked before eating.

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Basics

Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: 95-105 (Spring/Summer)
Growing Habit: Vine
Hardiness: Tender

Winter Squash are quite frost tender and cannot be planted until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Don't put them out before the temperature reaches 65 degrees F daily.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Summer
Growing Season: Long
Cultivar Type: -
Growing Conditions: Warm, Hot

Winter Squash are sprawling plants, notorious for taking up a lot of room; so do not plant them in the middle of the intensive garden. They take a lot less space if grown vertically on trellises or cages, but then of course they cast a considerable amount of shade. Generally it is best to plant them in hills at the edge of the garden and let them run off into unused space. The site of an old compost pile by a wire fence is perfect. Once established they can compete with almost any plant, so long as their roots are in good soil and they are well fed and watered.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 60°F - 90°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 65°F

Don’t plant out until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up and the temperature reaches 65° F daily (when the Apple trees blossom.)
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot)

Full sun.
Water: High

The plants need an evenly moist soil for maximum productivity. The best way to water squash is in the morning with a soaker hose or drip irrigation, as wet foliage can easily lead to fungus diseases, especially with cooler nighttime temperatures.

Water moderately early in development and heavier after fruits form.
Feeder: Heavy

High nitrogen. Moderate potassium. Moderate phosphorous. Squash have a very vigorous root system, which may go down 6 feet in its search for nutrients.
Suitability: High heat, Needs lots of space
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: No
-
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Color: White
Fruit Size: 15.0 - 20.0"
Plant Height: 12.0 - 24.0"
Plant Diameter: 24.0 - 36.0"
Hardiness Zone: 3-12
Disease Resistance: -
Taste Profile: Outstanding pie pumpkin.
Rotation Group: Fruits: Solanaceae + Cucurbits

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Plant Guide

Squash, Winter : Cushaw White

Easy to grow with huge yields and good resistance to squash bugs

Cushaw White

Basics