What do you know about cushaw squash ("Indian Pumpkin", "sweet potato squash")?

[eppur_se_muova]

Someone gave a couple of these to my sister last year -- they were really immense, and we had trouble using them up. The bottom was filled with seeds, and we saved some of them, but threw a lot away. Now I'm reading that they're a fairly rare heirloom crop! Or maybe not. You can buy the seeds commercially, quite cheaply. I tried to talk my mother into growing some in the back yard this year but she wasn't really interested. Can anyone offer advice on how to grow these, if I decide to do so next year? Can I sprout the seeds from last year's squash and keep the sprouts inside for the winter? They're supposed to be easy to grow and resistant to pests, which is good because (1) I don't want to spray pesticides, and (2) I'm not known for my green thumb.

Any friendly advice appreciated. :)

[Warpy]

1. Since squash is native to the Americas, just shove the seed into hills

about 4 feet apart (companion crops are corn and beans) and stand back. They do take quite a bit of water, so they're not suitable for arid climates like mine unless there is irrigation, but they should do well in most other areas.

The blossoms are also edible if you're getting too many squashes (and you will).

[meow mix]

2. they say it makes a decent pie

like a pumpkin, except faster like all squash. i grow a lot of squashes due to our growing climate. which sucks lol

[Nay]

3. You shouldn't sprout the seeds and keep them inside for the winter. That

will not work because squash is a fast-growing plant that needs lots of light, heat, and water to grow. It should be planted in hills when your soil warms up and it is several weeks past your area's frost date. If the squash you received is a true cushaw squash, it is not a hybrid and the seeds will sprout into perfectly good squash just like the ones the seeds came from. Save the seeds you have by washing off any gunk on them, letting them dry thoroughly, and putting them into a lightproof and moistureproof container of some kind. Then stick the container into the fridge and wait for spring to plant them!

[eppur_se_muova]

4. Thanks! Will try that. I was afraid they'd take over the house ... guess that's a no-no. nt

[Nay]

5. You're welcome! BTW, they wouldn't take over the house -- they'd sprout, get

spindly, fall over, and die. There's not enough light inside a house to keep these types of plants alive, unless you have an inside growing operation.