Pumpkins and Squash

The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. pepo) Donated to SSE by Arthur Dostal. A variety was grown by his parents, Lewis and Mary Dostal of Tama Co., Iowa, who reportedly received it from family friends. Begins as cream-white and green, maturing to dark green. Sweet flavor with buttery smooth texture when grown as winter squash, but also delicious as summer squash. 90 days.  Characteristics:  Organic Sweet flavor with a buttery smooth texture  90 days  25 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out.  Direct Seed: 1" Deep Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds Thin: To 3-4 Plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Early Prolific Straightneck Squash - a favorite and strong producer for every climate Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Looking for a short season squash that you can pick weeks after planting, then this is your pick. It is an AAS winner and will be sure to please all those squash snobs as its creamy taste and texture is wonderful.  Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Harvest at 3-7" 48 days  4g approx. 30-40 seeds on average   Instructions - Summer squashes are warm-season annuals. Plants need loose, fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of nitrogen and a pH of 5.8-6.8. Fertilize seedlings with fish emulsion if leaves are yellow. Days to maturity are from direct seeding. The optimum soil temperature for germination is about 85ºF. Best quality fruit is harvested at 5 – 8” or smaller.  Plant 1/2-1" deep Space plants 12-24"  Plant rows 5-6'  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. pepo) (aka Early Fordhook) Introduced in 1890 by W. Atlee Burpee of Philadelphia. Belonged to the Fordhook Group of squashes which includes Delicata, Perfect Gem, and Table Queen. Vining plants produce 1½ pound acorn squashes that are grainy but not coarse and mildly sweet. Good shelf life. Once thought to be extinct. 85 days.  Characteristics:  Organic Pale fruits weigh up to 2 pounds Mildly sweet flavor Good shelf life Winter squash and summer squash 85 days 25 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out.  Direct Seed: 1" Deep Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds Thin: To 3-4 Plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Preorder from the Seed Savers Collection The Seed Savers Exchange - White Fortna Pumpkin; Lovers of unique heirloom pumpkins can thank the late Wayne Fortna of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for the delicious, productive, and truly beautiful ‘Fortna White’ pumpkin. Seed Savers Exchange is thrilled to introduce the ‘Fortna White’ as a featured From the Collection variety in 2024 During World War II, Wayne, a teacher, served as a tank commander under General George S. Patton. After the war, he discovered that gardening was good therapy for the PTSD he developed while in the military. Sue Ellen Majer says her father found solace in gardening. It calmed his nerves and reconnected him with nature and the soil. Noting Wayne’s aptitude for gardening, Carrie Stayman, his aunt, gave him some seeds for the family’s ‘Fortna White’ pumpkin, a cushaw-type squash with mild flesh perfect for baking. For nearly 40 years, Wayne stewarded this family heirloom with great care, ensuring there would always be a white pumpkin pie for the family to enjoy during Thanksgiving dinner. Characteristics:  Fruits grow up to 8 pounds White pear shaped fruits Does not tolerate cold 100 days 25 seeds per packet    Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Light: Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

I Found some!  The Seed Savers Exchange - A French historic variety squash from the Bordeaux region; noted in Vilmorin’s Les Plantes Potageres (1883). Seed carried by La Ferme de Ste. Marthe and collected by SSE member Amy Goldman at the 1996 Tranzault Pumpkin Festival. Attains weight of 10-20 pounds. Best used for beautiful table centerpieces or eaten in stews and soups. Harvest squashes when slightly immature as they tend to crack. 90 days.(C. maxima) (aka Galeuse d’Eysines, Courge Brodée Galeuse) Characteristics:  Fruits grow to 10-20 pounds Harvest when slightly immature to avoid cracking Eaten in stews and soups or used as decoration Winter squash 90 days 25 seeds per packet Planting Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - This flavorful acorn squash may be among the first to show up on your table each fall. The fruits of this historic variety produce flesh that is pale orange, moderately sweet in flavor, and a bit variable in shape. Its vining plants are quite productive and yield relatively early-maturing fruits that measure 4-5" long and 3½ -4" wide, and weigh 1-1 ½ pounds. Gill Brothers introduced the variety in 1952. 100 days.  Characteristics:  Organic Acorn squash Small, but impressive 100 days 25 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out.  Direct Seed: 1" Deep Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds Thin: To 3-4 Plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. maxima) (aka Golden Warted Hubbard, Red Hubbard) Introduced by D. M. Ferry in 1898 but attributed to J.J. Harrison of Storrs & Harrison Co. of Painesville, Ohio. Starchy, nutty, fine-grained flesh—good for baking and roasting. Fruits are 8-12 pounds and store well. An all-time American favorite. 90-100 days.  Characteristics:  Red-orange, warted skin Starchy and nutty flesh is fine-grained Fruits grow to 8-12 pounds Good for baking and roasting Winter squash 90-100 days 25 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out.  Direct Seed: 1" Deep Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds Thin: To 3-4 Plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Compact Patty Pan Squash wiith plump golden fruit Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - An amazing squash that is going to be a favorite. It takes up very little room and produces squash after squash,  Awesome fried, bakes, stuffed and so much more.  Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Patty pan-type Compact habit Harvest at 4-5" diameter 68days  3g approx. 25 seeds   Instructions - Summer squashes are warm-season annuals. Plants need loose, fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of nitrogen and a pH of 5.8-6.8. Fertilize seedlings with fish emulsion if leaves are yellow. Days to maturity are from direct seeding. The optimum soil temperature for germination is about 85ºF. Best quality fruit is harvested at 5 – 8” or smaller.  Plant 1/2-1" deep Space plants 12-24"  Plant rows 5-6'  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. pepo) Introduced in 1973 by W. Atlee Burpee of Philadelphia, bred from genetic material supplied by Dr. Oved Shifress. This vivid yellow fruit was the first commercial B (bicolor gene) cultivar. Crisp and mild-flavored zucchinis are borne prolifically on bush plants. 50-55 days. Characteristics:  Organic Bright yellow skin Best when eaten under 8 inches Heavy yielding bush plants Summer squash 50-55 days 25 seeds per packet    Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Green Striped Cushaw Squash - This bulb-shaped squash is a reliable producer and the most popular of its class. Large, vigorous vines are resistant to squash vine borer and Downy Mildew. Fruits average 10-12 lbs, about 18 in. long, and 10 in. wide at the bowl. Not a good keeper. Whitish-green skin with mottled green stripes. Thick, light yellow flesh is slightly sweet and medium-coarse. Fine for pies and baking. The mashed squash is great when fried with savory herbs.  Botanical Name C. argyrosperma, 110 days. Additional information helps to date this vareity Pre-1893, possibly pre-1860. Cushaws came from the West Indies, earlier than 1700. Characteristics:  Semi-vining habit 10-12 lbs Slow Food Ark Distinction Open-Pollinated 4g or ~20 seeds Disease Resistance Details Intermediate Resistance: Powdery Mildew Instructions: Plants need loose, fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of nitrogen and a pH of 5.8-6.8. Fertilize seedlings with fish emulsion if leaves are yellow.  Days to maturity are from direct seeding. The optimum soil temperature for germination is about 85ºF.  Plant 1/2-1" deep  Plant Spacing: for bush varieties 18-24”, for vining 24-36” Row Spacing: 5-6' 

The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. maxima) Belongs to the Banana group of squashes, noted for their fine table quality. This selection is dark “blue” with light stripes; golden-yellow flesh is thick and firm. Fruits range up to 20 inches in length and average 5 pounds. We like to keep this one in the refrigerator after the initial cutting and continue to slice off small rings that can be either baked or roasted. 90-95 days.  Characteristics:  Organic Dark blue-grey with light stripes Fruits grow up to 20 inches long and 5 pounds Thick, firm golden yellow flesh Winter squash 90-95 days  25 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out.  Direct Seed: 1" Deep Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds Thin: To 3-4 Plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. pepo) This gold-orange, green-striped delicata squash variety has an irresistibly sweet, nutty flavor, and stores well. Like all delicata squash, it can be prepared straight from a harvest without curing. Vines reach up to 6,' while the fruits measure 6"-8" in length and 3" in diameter and weigh up to a pound. Bred by Dr. James Baggett at Oregon State University, ‘Honey Boat’ was introduced in 1990 and has proved popular among squash lovers in the years since. 90-100 days. Characteristics:  New for 2020 Sweet, nutty flavor and stores well 90-100 days 25 Seeds per packet    Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Our Climbing Honey Nut was so popular last year we had to find a new seed company this year when they opted not to have in seed packets. Thankfully one of our seed companies was offering it in 2025 and even organic which is always our preference.  Honeynut or Honey Nut Butternut Squash are mini versions of butternuts. They are a bit richer in cooler and a bit sweeter too. What folks really love is their ability to climb and produce large yields.  Developed by the Vegetable Breeding Institute at Cornell University. A portion of the sales of this variety is paid to the breeder. Some disease resistance to powerdy mildew.   (C. moschata) Characteristics:  Organic, Open-Pollinated, & Non-GMO .5-1 lb fruits Vining habit Winter squash 100 days 1/16 oz and about 25 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

High Mowing Organic Seeds - The original Jack O’ Lantern, with rich orange color, deep ridges, and sturdy handles. Our most popular Jack O'Lantern among farmers and gardeners! Reliable and tolerant of black rot. Developed in the Berkshire Mountains by John Howden in the mid-1970s. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  Commercial standard  25 lb fruit  Vining habit  Instructions - Pumpkins grow best in fertile, well-drained soil, with a pH between 5.8-6.8. Sidedressing is recommended one week after blossoming and again 3 weeks later, especially if there are signs of deficiency. Nitrogen deficiencies cause yellowing, and bronze leaves are a sign of potassium deficiency. Days to maturity are from direct seeding, subtract 2 weeks if transplanting. Seeds can be direct seeded after the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has reached 70°F. Start transplants indoors 3-4 weeks before the last risk of frost. The optimal soil temperature for germination is 85-95°F.  Plant 1/2-1" deep  Plant Spacing:  For bush varieties 18”, for vining 24-36”. Tighter plant spacing will result in yields of smaller, but more numerous, fruit.  Row Spacing:  Row spacing: for bush/semi-bush and short vine types 6’, for vigorous vining types use 9-12’  Harvest & Storage - Harvest by cutting the stem near the vine or at least 2-3” from the fruit. Too many days of sun on fruits after maturity will bleach handles and cause sunscald on the fruit. A short or broken stem can lead to rot. Cure after harvest by keeping in a warm, dry location for a few days then store at 50-55°F with 55-75% relative humidity and good air circulation.  Delicata and acorn squash do not need curing, but will not store as long as other varieties.    Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Big fun comes in a very small package for kids and pumpkin-lovers far and wide. High Mowing Organic Seeds - (C. moschata) Miniature, old-fashioned pumpkins are 3" wide by 2" tall and bright orange. Each plant will produce an average of eight pumpkins. Great for decorations and raw fruit can be hollowed out to make a cute serving dish. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  6-12 fruits per vine   Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Special Release Seed Savers Collection The Seed Savers Exchange - Gorgeous Blue Gray large lobed pumpkins that can be used for decoration and eating.This pumpkin is named after a small town near Perth, Australia. It is very sweet and excels in pies and soups.  Characteristics:  Fruits grow up to 8 pounds Blue-Gray Large Lobed shaped fruits Very Sweet 100 days 25 seeds per packet    Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Light: Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. moschata) East Coast historic variety long remembered as a great pie squash by people in New York and New Jersey. Mentioned as early as 1806 by Bernard McMahon of Philadelphia. Named for its resemblance to a wheel of cheese. Flattened, ribbed, buff-colored pumpkins average 6-12 pounds. Sweet deep orange flesh. Good keeper. 90-100 days. Characteristics:  Organic Sweet, deep orange flesh Flattened, ribbed, buff-colored fruits grow to 6-12 pounds Good keeper Winter squash 90-100 days 25 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Firefly Farm & Mercantile - Our local customers have asked for really cool pumpkins so we brought this one in bulk and offer it. This is a wonderful storage pumpkin - you harvest it green and when ripe it turns orange in storage. The texture is absolutely creamy when ripe and excels in pies, hence the name. Long Pie Pumpkin is also known as Nantucket Pie Pumpkin and is a New England Heirloom.  We bring in High Mowing Organics seed to offer Characteristics:  Seeds sourced from High Mowing Organics, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  100 Days from seeding to harvest 5-8 lb fruit  Vining habit  Packet is 4.0 g or 30 seeds Instructions -  Pumpkins grow best in fertile, well-drained soil, with a slighlty acidic pH.  Plant 1/2-1" deep  3-5 seeds per 6' hill or plant 2 seeds every 3' in rows.  Harvest & Storage -  Harvest by cutting the stem near the vine or at least 2-3” from the fruit. Too many days of sun on fruits after maturity will bleach handles and cause sunscald on the fruit. Cure after harvest by keeping in a warm, dry location for a few days then store at 50-55°F with 55-75% relative humidity and good air circulation.  Delicata and acorn squash do not need curing, but will not store as long as other varieties.    Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. maxima) Belongs to the Banana group of squashes, noted for their fine table quality. This selection is dark “blue” with light stripes; golden-yellow flesh is thick and firm. Fruits range up to 20 inches in length and average 5 pounds. We like to keep this one in the refrigerator after the initial cutting and continue to slice off small rings that can be either baked or roasted. 90-95 days.  Characteristics:  Organic Bumpy, turban shaped fruits grow to 10-12 pounds Sweet, dry flesh Highly productive and a good keeper Flavor improves in storage Winter squash 95-100 days 25 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out.  Direct Seed: 1" Deep Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds Thin: To 3-4 Plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - Beautiful French pumpkin: An historic cheese pumpkin from the South of France, available in the U.S. as early as 1895 from Vaughan's Seed Store in Chicago. Gorgeous squashes, up to 20 pounds in weight, look like wheels of cheese and ripen from green to burnt sienna. The deep orange flesh is dense and of superb table quality. Very long shelf life. Intolerant of cold. 110 days, (C. moschata) (aka Potiron Bronze de Montlhéry) Characteristics:  Fruits grow up to 20 pounds Deep orange flesh is dense and flavorful Does not tolerate cold Winter squash for storage 110 days 25 seeds per packet    Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Light: Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability