Gem Squash
Gem Squash is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
A South African favourite, this winter squash resembles a dark green, round cannonball. It produces up to 8 squash per vine and stores for up to 4 months if fully mature.
In temperate areas sow spring to early summer. In subtropical and tropical areas it is unlikely to do well, as it is very prone to powdery mildew. Days to harvest: 90 - 100 days; younger ones can be harvested and eaten like zucchini.
Product: Gem Squash
Product type: SEED (12)
Botanical name: Cucurbita pepo
A South African favourite, this winter squash resembles a dark green, round cannonball. It produces up to 8 squash per vine and stores for up to 4 months if fully mature.
Plant type: Vigorous annual trailing vine
Plant height: 45 cm
Sow when: Squash is frost tender; germinate best at 21 - 35°C; seed will rot in cold, wet soil; rodents and birds eat seed; protect with an upturned pot
Temperate: Spring to early summer
Subtropical: Spring, grow on a trellis to reduce fungal problems
Tropical: Unlikely to do well, very prone to powdery mildew
Germination: 7 - 10 days
Depth: 15 - 20 mm deep
Position: Full sun
Sow where: Direct into garden bed, keep soil moist
Soil type: Fertile, well-drained soil, high in nitrogen, pH 6 - 7.5; add plenty of compost
Rows: Space 'hills' 1 m apart
Harvest: 90 - 100 days: younger ones can be harvested and eaten like zucchini
12 seeds per packet
Cucurbita pepo
Vigorous annual trailing vine
Gem Squash
A South African favourite, this winter squash resembles a dark green, round cannonball. It produces up to 8 squash per vine and stores for up to 4 months if fully mature.
In temperate areas sow spring to early summer. In subtropical and tropical areas it is unlikely to do well, as it is very prone to powdery mildew. Days to harvest: 90 - 100 days; younger ones can be harvested and eaten like zucchini.