This is a popular winter squash with smooth dark green/brown skin shaped like a drum or a flattened turban. The blossom end produces a distinctive "button". The fruit is harvested when it is about 6-7 inches in diameter and weighs about 2 pounds. The flesh is sweet, dry and very firm. 90 days.

Packet size: 4.5 grams (approximately 25-30 seeds)

WINTER SQUASH

WHEN TO PLANT: Late summer planting

DEPTH OF PLANTING: 1" deep

PLANTS APART IN ROWS (AFTER THINNING): 3 feet apart

DISTANCE BETWEEN ROWS: 6 feet apart

RAISED BED PLANTING GUIDE: After thinning, plants should be 2-3 feet apart throughout bed.

SOIL TYPE RECOMMENDED: rich, composted soil

HARVEST: Grow squash to maturity, skin should be hard. Leave stem on harvested fruit.

NOTE: Squash is very susceptible to frost. Usually planted in hills with 6 plants in each hill; hills 6 feet apart.

TUCSON PLANTING INFORMATION: Winter varieties may be planted in spring, March 1 through May 1 and again July 1 to August 25. Squash does very well in Tucson. For hardiest plants, sow as early after last frost as possible.