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Squash · Cucurbita maxima 'Lakota'

Lakota Winter Squash

Lakota Winter Squash is a heirloom squash variety (Cucurbita maxima 'Lakota'). Harvest begins around day 100-110; seed germinates in 7-12 days. Set plants 6-8 feet between plants apart. Grow in soil pH 6.0-6.8, zones 3-11, full sun (6+ hours).

Squash
100-110days to harvest
7-12days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow when soil temperature reaches 65°F. Can start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost date.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, reduce watering as fruits mature
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with good organic content
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Spacing
6-8 feet between plants
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Orange base with dark green striping and mottling
Size
3-5 pounds, 8-10 inches long
Shape
Teardrop or pear-shaped with ribbing
Flavour
Sweet, nutty, and rich with smooth, creamy texture when cooked

In the kitchen

Roasting, soups, pies, baking, purees, and traditional Native American dishes

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bug, cucumber beetle, squash vine borer
Diseases
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt
Resistance
Moderate resistance to common squash diseases, good field holding ability

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
3——June – JulyOctober
4——June – JulyOctober
5——May – JuneSeptember – October
6——May – JuneSeptember – November
7——April – JuneSeptember – October
8——April – MayAugust – October
9——March – AprilJuly – September
10——February – AprilJuly – August
11——January – MarchJune – July
12——January – MarchJune – July
13——January – MarchJune – July

Companion planting

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

CornProvides natural trellis for squash vines and part of the Three Sisters planting method
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil that feeds heavy-feeding squash, completes Three Sisters guild
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles while repelling aphids
MarigoldsDeters cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with natural compounds
RadishesRepels cucumber beetles and squash vine borers, breaks up soil for squash roots
CatnipStrong repellent for cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and flea beetles
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture
DillAttracts beneficial predatory wasps that control squash vine borer moths

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders that deplete soil
FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit squash growth and development
BrassicasHeavy nitrogen feeders that compete with squash and may stunt growth

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.

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

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