Polaris Winter Squash (F1 Hybrid, 100 Days)

There is nothing like opening up the bright orange interior of a butternut squash in the cold of winter, bringing back the memories of the summer season. The Polaris Winter Squash is a traditional butternut squash with medium sized, 4-5 lb. fruits. The vigorous plants produce at least 4-5 uniform fruits per plant. 

15 seeds

PLANTING

Cucurbita moschata

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 the Polaris Winter Squash in fertile soil, amended with compost or well-rotted manure and keep well watered. They benefit from growing on black plastic and by using row covers for weed, insect control, and more rapid growth.