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Squash · Cucurbita pepo var. gemmifera

Gem Squash

Gem Squash is a small, round to slightly oval squash with fruit around 2-4 inches diameter, 4-8 ounces. Ready from roughly day 70-85. Germination takes 7-12 days. Space 36-48 inches apart at pH 6.0-7.0. Full sun (6+ hours). It will crop in a container.

Squash
70-85days to harvest
7-12days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after soil temperature reaches 65°F, planting seeds 1 inch deep. Excellent for succession planting every 2-3 weeks.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, moderate water needs
Soil
Well-drained soil with moderate fertility
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
36-48 inches
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Cream to golden-yellow exterior, pale yellow flesh
Size
2-4 inches diameter, 4-8 ounces
Shape
Small, round to slightly oval
Flavour
Sweet, mild, and creamy with tender texture

In the kitchen

Individual serving portions, steaming whole, roasting, stuffing, side dishes, and decorative fall displays

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, aphids
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt
Resistance
Good resistance to common squash diseases

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2——June – AugustOctober – September
3——June – JulySeptember – October
4——June – JulySeptember – October
5——May – JuneSeptember – October
6——May – JuneAugust – October
7——April – JuneAugust – September
8——April – MayJuly – September
9——March – AprilJune – August
10——February – AprilJune – July
11——January – MarchMay – June
12——January – MarchMay – June
13——January – MarchMay – June

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids
MarigoldsRepels cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with strong scent
RadishesDeters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil
CornProvides natural trellis support and creates beneficial microclimate
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
CatnipStrongly repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids
TansyRepels cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and ants with potent oils
DillAttracts beneficial predatory insects that control squash pests

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders with similar root zones
Aromatic herbsStrong herbs like sage and rosemary can inhibit squash growth and flavor
FennelAllelopathic properties inhibit growth of most vegetables including squash

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
26
Protein (g)
0.52
Fat (g)
0.2
Carbohydrate (g)
5.64
Sugars (g)
3.54
Vitamin C (mg)
4.5
Vitamin E (mg)
0
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.058
Folate (µg)
22
Calcium (mg)
9
Iron (mg)
0.17
Magnesium (mg)
10
Phosphorus (mg)
12
Potassium (mg)
205
Zinc (mg)
0.07
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Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the squash growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Gem Squash?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

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Similar varieties

Other squash with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Gem Squash suits these too.

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