Cucurbita moschata. Calabaza. A tropical pumpkin with many varieties.
Why grow Seminole Pumpkin instead of another moschata or calabaza variety?
STORAGE. If kept in a cool place, Seminole pumpkins can store up to a year. Our house is kept at 82ยบ and we still have pumpkins in July from January harvest. We are not aware of any other tropical squash that can do this.
In addition they are insect resistant (including root knot nematodes), disease resistant, actually need heat, lots of rain and humidity, the flowers can be fried, plus young, green fruit can be prepared as zucchini.
One negative is that they need room to grow. When too unruly, wind the vines on top of itself to keep it from taking over the yard or give it a prune!
Tip: plant a bee plant nearby so that the flowers are pollinated. Salvia is always a favorite for my bees.
If you have not planted Seminole Pumpkin in your South Florida garden yet, it's the right time of the year now (hot, rainy, humid).
For recipes, growing tips, the correct flowers to fry... click here.
To buy Seminole Pumpkin seeds, click here.
