Winter Squash seeds, Pink Banana

 Winter squash Seeds, Jumbo Pink Banana HEIRLOOM -Cucurbita maxima
100 days. Very smooth, velvety skin makes Pink Banana an attractive conversation piece as well as a delicious dish! American pioneers ate many a hearty meal with this 18" - 24" long squash. Not only a vegetable side dish, but luscious in pies and baked goods, and an excellent canning candidate. Long vines up to 15'.

Sowing: To get a head start on growing Pink Banana winter squash, start seeds indoors one month before the last frost. Consider using peat pots and planting two seeds per pot, removing the weaker seedling later. Harden the seedlings by exposing them to the weather before transplanting. Once the soil temperature is around 60 degrees, plant the seedlings in rich soil, either 8-10' apart in rows or in hills of two 8-10' apart. For direct sowing, plant seeds 1/2" deep, 3-4' apart, thinning to 8-10' apart. For best results, companion plant with corn and avoid potatoes.

Growing: Protect seedlings from frost by covering them and keeping the soil moist. Use mulch to preserve moisture, control weeds, and protect squashes from soil contact. Remove blooms in midsummer to focus energy on growing squashes.

Harvesting: Squashes should be harvested when the stem starts to dry and the skin becomes too tough to puncture with a fingernail. To prevent damage from cold weather, harvest before the first frost. Use a sharp knife to cut the stem, leaving a 2-3" length. Do not hold the squash by the stem, as it may break and cause quick deterioration. Cure the squashes in a sunny or dry area until the stem shrivels; avoid washing those you plan to store.