Squash “Gem” seeds

Description

C. pepo.  Vine type.  We believe this is the South African variety.  Can be used as both a summer and winter squash.  Dark skinned globes with firm butter yellow flesh.  Fist sized beauties can be harvested as a summer squash when the skins are tender.  Older fruits reach soft ball sized and the skin hardens in their transition to a orange fleshed winter squash.  Eating quality is very good with a texture somewhat between a spaghetti and Hubbard. Savory, not sweet so you can serve it many ways. Stores fairly well.  Afrikaner friends gave our family some seeds when I was a kid.  I enjoyed these but my mom didn’t because the taste was too strong.  These seeds were a lucky find and I hope they are the Gem squash I remember from my youth.  Great roasted, boiled, baked, etc.

I believe they originate from a crossing of two native American C. pepo subspecies.

• Seed Count: 10-12
• Collection Date: Oct 2024
• Hardiness Zone: annual
• Height and Width: trailing vine (will climb)
• Germination test type: hand sort

How to germinate Gem squash seeds:

Sow seed 2cm deep in well draining moist warm medium.  Keep warm (20-25C) as cold soils will reduce embryo metabolism and germination will not be optimum. Days to germ: 5-10. Habitat: full sun; deep fertile evenly moist well draining soil. Best in 30 cm tall hills; spaced 2m apart. Start outdoors after frost danger has passed or start indoors 3 weeks before transplant.  Use deep containers for prime root systems if starting indoors.