Winter Squash Seeds,
Ayote Green Flesh

Planting Ayote Green Flesh winter squash requires careful timing to avoid frost damage and ensure a full growing season. Seeds should be sown outdoors 1-2 weeks after the chance of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to at least 70 F. For gardeners in regions with shorter growing seasons, starting the seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost is advisable. This gives the plants a head start. This variety needs about 125 days to mature, so it's essential to plant early enough to allow the fruits to develop fully before the first autumn frost​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

When planting Ayote Green Flesh, seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors. If sowing directly, plant the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Sow seeds 1 foot apart in rows, and rows should be 6-10 feet apart if vining types are grown. When plants get to be about 6 inches tall, you can thin to two to three feet apart in the rows.

Ayote Green Flesh Winter squash is a heavy feeder, meaning it requires regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Initially, a balanced fertilizer is recommended, followed by a high-phosphorus fertilizer when the plants begin to flower. Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, which is particularly important for this variety. Pests like squash bugs and cucumber beetles, as well as diseases such as powdery mildew, can pose significant challenges. Using row covers, practicing good garden hygiene, and applying organic insecticides can help manage these issues​.

• There are four different species of squash: Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata, and C. mixta. They will not cross pollinate with each other, so it is possible to grow one of each species for seed saving without worrying about cross pollination.
• If you are planning to grow several varieties of more than one species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.
• Whether it is a summer or winter squash, you must let the fruit completely mature before extracting the seeds, and cure for at least two weeks.
• Scoop the seeds, place them in a bucket, and add just enough water to cover. Let sit at room temperature to ferment for two days before rinsing off the pulp.
• Lay seeds out to dry on newspaper or paper plates.
• Stored in a cool, dry place, seeds will remain viable for up to four years.