Green Striped Cushaw Squash (Winter), pre-1900 Heirloom

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'