Pumpkins and squash are autochthonal to the Americas , and they were a huge part of the diets of many aboriginal polish and former European settlers . High in vitamin A , atomic number 19 , beta - carotene and fibre , the long storability of these crops made them an important food raw material , specially during the winter months . Today , we expend these members of theCucurbita genusas ornamentation as much as we apply them as solid food .
What Are Hubbard Squash
One of my favorite species of the squash and pumpkin family isCurcurbita maxima . This species consist of the biggest fruit members of the class , including my all - fourth dimension favoritewinter mash , the Hubbard .
Hubbard squashes have deep rind and a teardrop shape . Blue Hubbards have low - grey-haired skin , while aureate Hubbards have shining - orange skin . Each Hubbard squash can librate between 10 and 40 Irish punt , and their orange physical body is sweet and nutty , tasting a bit like sweet white potato .
Although many folks recollect the bumpy texture of Hubbard squash is only useful as an fall palm , nothing could be further from the truth . These fruit can be bake , pissed off , puréed or ridicule . In fact , my favoritepumpkin pieis made with a down in the mouth Hubbard squash instead of traditional pumpkin . try on using it in your favorite pumpkin pie recipe , and you ’ll quickly see how wonderful this fruit is .
Grow Long & Wide
Hubbard squash require 110 day to reach adulthood , so if you ’d care to grow some of your own , you ’ll need to get started early . Sow seed intopeat potsthree to four weeks before springiness ’s last rime is expected , then transfer the seedlings outdoors soon after the danger of hoar has choke . you’re able to also grow them by instantly sowing the germ into the garden as shortly as the dirt temperature reaches 60 degree F , if you live on in a neighborhood with long , lovesome summer .
Give Hubbard squash plants plenty of room to farm . Each flora can easily hatch 100 satisfying feet of garden space ! turn them up over afence or sturdy arborif you ’re looking to save space . Like all fellow member of the Cucurbita genus , Hubbard squash vines are monecious , meaning the male and distaff heyday are borne on an individual basis on the same industrial plant . The manly flower always open a few days in advance of the females , to ensure a good pollen supplying . The distaff bloom have a swollen-headed base and will be well fertilized by bee and other pollinators .
Hubbard Squash Care
To maximize pollenation , ensure there are plenty of blossom plants in and around your Hubbard crush plot of land . You ’ll also involve to mulch around your Hubbard works while they ’re still youthful . Use straw , untreated grass clippings or sliced leaves , position in a 2- to 3 - inch - thick layer around the plants . Not only does this reduce tearing needs , it also restrain weeds at a minimum and preserve the fruits clean and off the dry land .
Because Hubbard fruits are so gravid , your vines will need a lot of moisture throughout the growing time of year . supply plants with at least 1 inch of weewee per week , whether from Mother Nature or the conclusion of your hose .
Time To Harvest
You ’ll know the squash vine are advanced when the skin hardens and the vines start to conk . It should be bad to stab through the rind with your fingernail when the fruit are ready to be glean .
sheer the squash rackets from the vine with a sharp knife , making sure to leave a portion of the stem intact if possible . This reduces the opportunity of bunk . lay in your Hubbards in aroot cellaror cellar on plane of cardboard . They ’ll last for many months , giving you endless delicious winter meal .
