CANADA CROOKNECK SQUASH

Cucurbita moschata

Superior butternut type with long seedless necks. One of the few selections that is representative of varieties grown by indigenous Americans of the Northeast at the time of conquest. Pennsylvania Dutch Crookneck from Seed Savers' is likewise representative but larger. Supersweet orange flesh. Mature fruits keep for many months if cured properly. Easy to prepare: simply slice the seedless neck and roast. Indigenous peoples also cut the flesh into strips and dried them for ease of transport and later use, usually by tossing into pots of soup. The bulbous end can be seeded and stuffed like acorn squash when you feel up to it but will keep in the refrigerator until then.

This squash requires around 90 warm days to mature and cure properly. Those of us in cool climates or with short growing seasons should sow these seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost. Tuck two or three seeds about 1/2" below soil surface in deep 3" pots and mist generously with warm water and cover with plastic to maintain heat and moisture. Kept warm (around 70°F) and moist, seeds should germinate in a few days. Uncover and grow on in bright light at warm room temperature. Fertilize weekly with dilute fish emulsion. Take care to harden off before carefully transplanting into very fertile garden soil after all danger of frost has passed. Mulch generously and water frequently until well-rooted.

In our estimation these long neck types are the only butternuts worth growing in gardens. Very highly recommended.

Packet contains at least 30 seeds.