MUSQUÉE DE PROVENCE SEEDS

Cucurbita moschata

ORGANIC

Beautiful old French heirloom. One of the best for both culinary and ornamental use. Big flat deeply ribbed pumpkins with thick orange flesh. Ripens from dark green to a handsome terra cotta, sometimes with a silvery purple blush. Ripe cured fruits will keep for several months. Traditionally sold in French markets by the wedge.

As the name suggests, Musquée is adapted to Mediterranean climates. Gardeners in the north must start these seeds indoors, at least 4 weeks before the last spring frost: sow 2-3 seeds about 1/2" below the surface of moist soil in deep 6" pots. Press to keep seed snug and mist generously. Cover with plastic to maintain moisture. Seeds will germinate in just a matter of days at warm room temperature in bright light. Uncover seedlings and thin to one strong plant per pot. Grow on at room temperature in bright light. Harden off carefully before transplanting into warm fertile garden soil once all danger of frost has passed. Top dress with compost and mulch generously. Protect stems with floral tape or foil if vine borers are a problem in your garden. Water frequently until well-rooted and growing like gangbusters.

Rampant vines. Not tidy in the least. Very nice in combination with Marina di Chioggia (C. maxima), which is equally suitable for both eating and decorating and whose vines are similarly uncontrollable. Both require at least 100 days to ripen and several more days to cure properly.

American selections of this variety are often crossed with other cheese types and are disappointing, both aesthetically and gastronomically. These imported organic seeds should produce the real thing.

Packet contains at least 20 seeds.