Thelma Sander's Sweet Potato Winter Squash (Organic 85-95 Days)

This heirloom was passed along to seed savers from Thelma Sanders of Missouri, who described it as "better than sweet potatoes”. (Aka Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato Squash)  The buff colored rind encloses a superb, nutty-flavored, golden yellow flesh that has a dry, dense texture- one of the most delicious acorns we have tasted. Long vines are extremely prolific; fruits grow to 7- 8” long; our largest was 3 lbs, smallest 1 lb. Keeps well.  

                                                                                 20 seeds

PLANTING

Cucurbita pepo

Germination: 7-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-85ºF

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2-1" deep

Sowing Indoors: 3-4 weeks before the last frost. Provide 70-85ºF soil temperature. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Sowing into individual biodegradable peat/cow pots reduces root damage when transplanting. Transplant after the last frost, 36-48" apart. 

Sowing Outdoors: Sow after the last frost when the soil temperature is over 70ºF. Sow a few seeds every 36-48". 

How much does a packet plant: 12-15 foot single row, 3-5 hills

Harvest: Before heavy frost. Determine ripeness when the skin has turned color and becomes dull and dry. You will be unable to create a dent when pressing your thumbnail into it. Leave two inches of the stem on the squash and manage carefully so there is no damage, which can shorten storage life. Cure for 7-10 days in the sun to harden the rind and increase storage quality. Wipe any debris off the skin before storing it in a cool, dark place with 50-55ºF temperatures and 50-65% humidity.

Tips: Plant Thelma Sander Sweet Potato Squash in fertile soil, amended with compost or well-rotted manure, and keep well watered. They benefit from growing on black plastic and from using row covers for weed and insect control, and for more rapid growth.