Winter Squash Seeds,
Flat White Boer Pumpkin

Flat White Boer pumpkins should be planted after the last frost when soil temperatures consistently reach at least 65 F, as these plants are extremely sensitive to frost. Direct sowing in late spring is ideal, but in cooler regions, starting seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost can give the plants a head start. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow seeds directly into the garden about 1/2-1 inch deep, spaced 18-36" apart in rows that are 6-8 feet apart. Create small mounds or hills to improve drainage. Thin the seedlings to the strongest plant per mound after they have germinated. If transplanting, be careful not to disturb the roots while doing so.

Flat White Boer Pumpkins require consistent moisture, particularly during flowering and fruit set. Water deeply once a week and apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Regularly fertilize with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, with an extra boost when the plants start to vine and as the fruits begin to develop.

• 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.