Winter squash (Cucurbita maxima)

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun

Watermedium to high

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomasshigh

Fruithigh

Common bean

Part of the 'Three Sisters' planting, beans fix nitrogen for squash.

Corn Maize

Part of the 'Three Sisters' planting, corn provides a trellis for squash vines.

JFMAMJJASOND

emergenceSeeds germinate when soil temperatures are consistently warm.

floweringFlowering begins approximately 45 days after emergence and continues for an extended period.

fruitingFruit set occurs shortly after flowering, with fruits developing over several weeks.

harvestHarvest typically occurs before the first hard frost, when fruits are mature and skins are hard.

senescencePlants begin to senesce and die back with the onset of autumn frosts.

Drainagewell-drained

Nitrogen fixingNo

MycorrhizalYes

Soil textureloam, sandy loam

Organic matterMedium

Compaction toleranceLow

Methodsseed

Difficulty1 / 5

Establishes in~0 yr

Attractsbees

Can host pestssquash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers

Can host diseasespowdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt