Winter Squash
Cucurbita maxima
Francisco Manuel Blanco (1778 – 1845) (O.S.A.)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cucurbitaceae
- Genus:
- Cucurbita
- Species:
- Cucurbita maxima
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 1-2 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jan, feb, jun, jul, aug, dec
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Food Forest:
- Plant contains edible parts
Native Range
United States: Arkansas, Guam, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Palau, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Alfalfa Looper (Autographa californica), Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), Cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), Euxoa tessellata, Gothic dart (Feltia subgothica), melonworm moth (Diaphania hyalinata), pickleworm (Diaphania nitidalis), Southern armyworm (Spodoptera eridania), Squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae), Virginia Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to South America, prefers fertile soils