Description
| Seeds | 10 seeds $3.25 |
|---|
North Carolina Candy Roaster (c.maxima)
Heritage: North Carolina Appalachians, USA
Originating in North Carolina, this unusual variety is believed to have been grown by the Cherokee peoples for hundreds of years. This is not the more common North Georgia Candy Roaster variety which produces a long peach coloured banana-shaped squash.
Sprawling vines produce a large leaf canopy – this variety needs some room! The roundish, pumpkin shaped fruit can grow up to 25lb (11kg), but usually ranges between 5-10lbs (2-4kg). The skin can get bumpy at maturity and is an intriguing combination of medium green/blue with splotches of pink-salmon, or reverse – we’ve had both. The flesh is a dazzling bright orange with a superb sweet eating quality worthy of its name. Better suited to warmer climates, the hotter the weather, the sweeter the flavour. That being said, we’ve had little problem getting an average yield in Southern Ontario summers. Bear in mind the vines are not over-generous with bearing fruit. We usually get 1-2 fruit per plant. Matures in 110-120 days.(6 seeds/g)
Bonus: Even though the Candy Roaster struggles to reach maturity in cooler weather, it can be picked and enjoyed as a Melon-type if harvested when immature!
Tips for Growing Succulent Squash! Squash are heat loving plants and are usually planted outdoors when the ground has warmed. Seeds can be started indoors, but we find more vigorous growth when direct planted. It is important to pick a sunny spot so the large leaves can dry-out easily early in the morning to avoid water-born diseases. Hill-up soil and plant 2-4 seeds 1” (2.5 cm) deep. Thin to no more than 2 plants per hill. To enhance the size of your Winter Squash, watch for early development of fruit and cut-off the new growth end of the vine to ensure all the energy is focusing on producing that one squash. Again, more sun produces larger fruit. For Summer Squash, frequent picking will promote continual production. The most suitable companion plants for Squash are; corn, beans and radishes. Do not plant near potatoes. They don’t play well together. Squash usually germinates within 7-10days (70-75ºF/21-24ºC).
