Sowing Indoors-Somewhat difficult to transplant. Start seeds in peat pots, 2-4 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outside no later than 4 weeks after seeding.
Sowing Outdoors-Direct sow once soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. For bush types, thin seedlings to 36 inches and for vining types, thin seedlings to 60-96 inches apart.
Growing Tips-Squash bear separate male and female flowers on the same plant. Research indicates that a female flower needs to be visited 8-10 times by a pollinator for adequate pollination. Plant bee attracting flowers, such as borage or cosmos, next to squash to help generate higher yields.
Fertilization Tips-Squash prefers a pH of 5.5-6.8. Apply 1/2 cup of a blended organic fertilizer around each hill to provide the nutrition necessary for optimum production. Insect Prevention Tips-Cucumber beetles, vine borers, and squash bugs are the major insect pests and can be treated by using floating row covers and Rotenone applications.
Seed Specs-Approximately 4-15 seeds per gram. Minimum germination standard: 75%. Usual seed life: 3-4 years.
Seed Saving Tips-All squash are insect pollinated. All squash including pumpkins, are members of one of the following species: C. pepo, C. maxima, C. moschata, C. mixta, C. ficifolia, and C. foetidissima. Different varieties within each species will cross easily. For seed saving purposes, assume that crossing does not occur between different species. For commercial production, seed companies assume they will cross, primarily because it's not always possible to confirm to which of the species a particular cultivar belongs. Isolation of 1/2 mile ensures seed purity.

Seed Depth	Soil Temp. for Germ.	Days to Germination	Light Requirements	Thin Plants to
1 1/2-2"	65-75°F	5-10	Full Sun	Bush=36", Vining=60-90"