Winter Squash Seeds,
Winter Luxury Pie Pumpkin

Plant Luxury Pie pumpkin after the last frost date when the soil temperature is at least 70 F. In colder climates, start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost, and transplant seedlings once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. 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 about 1/2-1 inch deep in the garden or in pots if starting indoors. If planting directly, space seeds 18-36 inches apart. For indoor starts, ensure seedlings are hardened off before transplanting outdoors. Use well-prepared beds enriched with compost to give the plants a nutrient boost.

Water deeply and consistently, particularly during dry spells, to maintain soil moisture. Mulching around the plants helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer supports healthy growth and fruit development. Keep an eye out for common pests like squash bugs and apply organic pest control methods as necessary.

• There are four main 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.