Whole and cut Essex Hybrid Winter Squash on a white background.
Winter Squash Seeds, Essex Hybrid
Essex Hybrid Squash, whole and halved on dark background.
Whole and sliced Essex Hybrid Winter Squash on a wooden background.
Essex Hybrid Squash stacked on light, streaked background.
A couple of whole Essex Hybrid Winter Squash on pastel background.
Overhead view of whole and cut Essex Hybrid Winter Squash on dark wood background.
Whole and cut Essex Hybrid Winter Squash on a white background.
Winter Squash Seeds, Essex Hybrid
Essex Hybrid Squash, whole and halved on dark background.
Whole and sliced Essex Hybrid Winter Squash on a wooden background.
Essex Hybrid Squash stacked on light, streaked background.
A couple of whole Essex Hybrid Winter Squash on pastel background.
Overhead view of whole and cut Essex Hybrid Winter Squash on dark wood background.

Winter Squash Seeds,
Essex Hybrid

42 Reviews#SQ155 · 10 seeds
Price
Regular price $4.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $4.00
Save $-4
/

FREE U.S. SHIPPING2-YEAR GUARANTEE

Description

(Cucurbita maxima). Witnessing a beloved heirloom of antiquity have its renaissance moment is one of our favorite parts of the job. This large, warted squash was listed in the J.H. Gregory's seed catalog in 1883 and was depicted with a drawing in the 1887 edition. Gregory's described it as a "cross between a turban and a hubbard, with the shape of the former and the skin of the latter… a uniform and heavy cropper." This ornamental pumpkin was popular, especially among New England seed companies. However, it eventually fell into obscurity and became quite rare. We are delighted to see this old New England heirloom resurrected and used for everything from autumnal displays to pumpkin soup and bread! Rich, sweet flavor.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita maxima
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
100
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Essex Hybrid Winter squash after the last frost when soil temperatures consistently exceed 65 F. In most areas, late spring to early summer is ideal for direct sowing. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the soil has warmed up. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/2 t0 1 inch deep, spaced 18-36 inches apart, with rows 6-8 feet apart to accommodate the sprawling vines. If you are short on space, consider growing the plants vertically using a sturdy trellis. Thin seedlings to the strongest plant per spot to ensure optimal growth​. If transplanting, be careful not to disturb the roots while doing so.

How to Grow

Maintain consistent moisture by watering deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Essex Hybrid Winter squash is a heavy feeder, so applying a balanced fertilizer every few weeks will support healthy growth and fruit production​.

How to Save Seeds

  • 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.

FAQ

Can Essex Hybrid Winter squash be grown in containers?

This variety is not ideal for container growing due to its large, vining habit, which requires substantial space.

How do I improve the fruit set on Essex Hybrid Winter squash?

To do so, ensure that both male and female flowers are present. If female flowers are not developing properly, consider hand-pollination by transferring pollen from male flowers to female flowers using a small brush. Additionally, avoid overhead watering during flowering to reduce the risk of blossom rot.

How should I store Essex Hybrid Winter squash after harvest?

After harvesting, cure the squash by letting them sit in a warm, sunny spot for about 10-14 days. This process hardens the skin and enhances storage life. Once cured, store the squash in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 50-60 F. Properly stored, Essex Hybrid Winter squash can last for several months.

Browse our full range of winter squash seeds.

Customer reviews

4 / 5 2 Reviews

More to grow!

See all Squash Seeds