Squash (Winter) Seeds - Hubbard Blue

Hubbard Blue Squash is a unique and highly prized variety of winter squash known for its sweet, dense flesh and distinctive blue-gray skin. This heirloom variety produces large, round squash with a rich flavor that deepens when roasted or baked. Hubbard Blue is excellent for storing through the winter, making it a staple for fall and winter meals, from soups to pies.

Key Benefits

• Sweet, Nutty Flavor: The flesh of Hubbard Blue squash is sweet, dry, and flavorful, making it perfect for baking, pureeing, and adding to soups and casseroles.
• Long Storage Life: This variety is known for its excellent storage capabilities, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavor for months after harvest.
• High Yielding: Hubbard Blue squash plants produce large fruits, providing a bountiful harvest that can be stored through the colder months.
• Heirloom Variety: Hubbard Blue is an heirloom squash, passed down through generations, offering a taste of gardening history.

Variety Features

• Appearance: The squash has a unique blue-gray skin with a somewhat rough texture. It grows to a large size, often reaching 10-15 pounds or more.
• Flesh: The flesh is dense, deep orange, and sweet, with a smooth texture when cooked.
• Size: Each squash typically weighs between 8-15 pounds, making it one of the larger winter squash varieties.
• Maturity: Hubbard Blue squash typically matures in 100-110 days, making it a late-season harvest.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Warm Weather: Plant Hubbard Blue squash after the last frost, when the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (16°C). Squash thrives in warm weather.
• Sun Requirements: Full sun is essential for the proper growth of Hubbard Blue squash, with 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.

Planting Details

• Sowing Depth: Plant the seeds 1-1.5 inches deep into well-drained, fertile soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds 36-48 inches apart within rows, allowing ample space for the vines to spread.
• Soil: Hubbard Blue squash prefers rich, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Adding compost or organic matter will help enrich the soil.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage strong roots.
• Watering Frequency: Water regularly, particularly during dry periods, but avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Light

• Full Sun: Hubbard Blue squash requires full sun for optimal growth and fruit production. Ensure the plants receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day.

Temperature

• Optimal Temperature: Squash grows best in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C-29°C). Protect the plants from frost and cool temperatures, as they can harm the plants.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Timing: Hubbard Blue squash is ready to harvest 100-110 days after planting, or when the skin turns from greenish-blue to a firm, matte blue-gray color. The squash should sound hollow when tapped.
• Stem Condition: Ensure the stem is fully dried out and corky before harvesting. This indicates the squash has matured.

How to Harvest

• Cut Carefully: Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the squash from the vine, leaving 2-3 inches of stem attached. Handle with care to avoid bruising the flesh.

Storage

• Short-Term: If harvested early in the fall, Hubbard Blue squash can be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space for up to 1-2 months.
• Long-Term: Store the squash in a cool (50-55°F), dry, and dark place. Properly stored, Hubbard Blue squash can last up to 3-6 months, making it an ideal squash for winter meals.

Culinary Uses

• Roasted: Roast Hubbard Blue squash halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple, flavorful side dish.
• Soups and Stews: Puree roasted Hubbard Blue squash for rich, hearty soups and stews, or add chunks to savory dishes.
• Baked Goods: Use the puree in pies, muffins, and bread for a naturally sweet, rich flavor.
• Mashed: Mash roasted Hubbard Blue squash with butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a comforting, fall-inspired dish.

Conclusion

Hubbard Blue Squash is a superb variety for gardeners looking to grow a flavorful, long-storing winter squash. With its sweet, dense flesh and impressive size, it’s perfect for both large and small gardens, offering a high yield of squash that will last through the winter. Whether roasted, pureed, or baked into pies, Hubbard Blue provides versatile culinary possibilities that will enhance your fall and winter meals. Ideal for storing and using over several months, it’s a must-have in any winter squash garden.