Turk's Turban Winter Squash Seeds For Planting (Cucurbita maxima)

15 Seeds

Grow a garden filled with Turks Turban Squash plants, from freshly harvested Cucurbita maxima seeds. Turks Turban is an heirloom variety of Winter Squash, which was introduced in the 1860's. They are popularly used as an ornamental variety, due to their colorful skins and strange look. The outer skin is a brilliant red, accented with green stripes, and it's inner flesh is sweet and golden yellow. Turks Turban not only looks cool, but it is great for baking as well. The fruits are roughly 9 inches in diameter, and weigh anywhere between 4 to 5 pounds. The plants themselves will reach a mature height of about 12 to 24 inches tall, vining outwards to take up 6 feet of garden space. Turks Turban can be harvested in roughly 100 days.

Squash plants, like pumpkins, are grown as annual plants. Annuals will grow quickly, producing vines, leaves and fruits through the warm months of summer. After harvesting the Squash from it's vines, the plants will wilt soon after, with the first killing frost. Squash plants can be regrown the following season if you manage to save some of the seeds within the Squash itself.

Turks Turban is one of the many varieties of Squash that we have to offer. Check out our Squash category for a wide variety of other options available. You might also be interested in our Pumpkins and Gourds as well.

What is the difference between Winter and Summer Squash?

First and foremost, Squash in general, both develop and produce fruits in the summer months, up until early Autumn. The main difference is based upon harvesting, consumption, as well as the use for your Summer or Winter Squash. Summer Squash is best enjoyed when harvested early, while it's fruits have a tender skin. While Winter Squash will take up to 50 to 60 percent longer to develop and can be harvest later in the season. Winter Squash fruits, such as Table Queen, Burgess Buttercup, Sweet Meat and Waltham Butternut, will have a thicker outer skin and a sweeter inner flesh, making them perfect for baking and stuffing. Summer Squash, such as Prolific Straightneck, Crookneck, Early white Scallop and Zucchini, are best consumed raw, steamed or cooked.

Sowing The Seed

Squash seeds aren't too fond of being transplanted and are best sown directly in the garden, after all danger of frost has passed. Begin by clearing your sowing area of all unwanted plant life and other obnoxious weeds that you find. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1" under topsoil, in hills which can be raised 8 inches tall. Check "Germination and Growth" for additional information on spacing.

Growing Conditions

Squash plants will enjoy the heat of summer and thrive in temperatures that are above 65F. Since Squash is a heavy feeder, the soil should be rich in organic matter, but will also need to be well drained. To improve drainage, it is recommended to add a light compost to any hard, compacted soil in the sowing area. This will prevent the roots from rotting. Water the seeds daily with a mild setting so that the seeds and seedlings are kept moist until germination occurs. Avoid overwatering.

Germination & Growth

Squash seeds will begin to sprout open in roughly 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will grow to a mature height of 1 to 2 feet tall and can take up 6 feet of garden space. These plants will need a large area to grow outwards and can be spaced by hills or mounds of dirt, rather than rows. As explained above mounds should be 18 to 24 inches wide and at least 8 inches tall. Space each mound at least 6 feet apart from one another. When sprouts become visible, direct the vines outwards towards areas that do not contain other plant life.

Harvesting Turks Turban Squash

When your vines start to establish Squash, be sure to place straw under the fruits to prevent them from touching the bare ground beneath, as this can prevent rotting. Your Turks Turban Squash will be ready for harvesting in roughly 100 days after the skin becomes hard and red. Cut the stems at least 2 to 3 inches from the actual fruits, otherwise the fruits will rot.

Winter Squash, such as Turks Turban can be stored for weeks on in, if they are kept in a cool location. Handle the fruits with care to avoid denting or bruising, as this can cause the fruits to rot prematurely.