Jumbo Pink Banana Squash (Cucurbita maxima) is a large, flavorful winter squash that requires a long growing season. Here’s how to start it successfully: ### **1. Timing** - Start seeds indoors **3-4 weeks before the last frost** if you have a short growing season. - Direct sow outdoors **after the last frost**, when soil temperatures reach at least **65°F (18°C)**. ### **2. Soil Preparation** - Choose a location with **full sun** (at least 6-8 hours daily). - Prepare rich, well-draining soil with **plenty of compost or aged manure**. - The ideal pH is **6.0-6.8**. ### **3. Starting Indoors (Recommended for Short Growing Seasons)** - Use **biodegradable pots** (like peat pots) to avoid root disturbance when transplanting. - Plant **1-2 seeds per pot**, 1 inch deep. - Keep soil warm (**75-85°F/24-29°C**) for germination (use a heat mat if needed). - Water consistently but avoid soggy soil. - Thin to **one strong seedling per pot** after germination. ### **4. Direct Sowing Outdoors** - Sow seeds in **hills** or **mounds** (warms the soil faster and improves drainage). - Space hills **4-6 feet apart**. - Plant **3-4 seeds per hill**, about **1 inch deep**. - Once seedlings emerge, thin to **the 2 strongest plants per hill**. ### **5. Transplanting Seedlings** - Harden off seedlings for **4-7 days** before transplanting. - Space plants **4-6 feet apart** in rows at least **6-8 feet apart**. - Water thoroughly after transplanting. ### **6. Watering & Maintenance** - Keep soil **evenly moist**, but avoid overwatering. - Apply **mulch** to retain moisture and suppress weeds. - Once vines start running, **feed with compost tea or a balanced organic fertilizer** every 3-4 weeks. ### **7. Pollination & Fruit Development** - Squash plants have **separate male and female flowers**. - If pollinators are scarce, you may need to **hand-pollinate** using a soft brush to transfer pollen from male to female flowers. ### **8. Harvesting** - **110-120 days** after planting, when the squash is **pinkish-orange** and the skin is hard enough that you can’t pierce it with a fingernail. - Cut the squash with **2-3 inches of stem attached** to prevent rotting. Would you like any specific tips on pest control or storage after harvest?