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Squash · Cucurbita maxima

Turban Squash

Turban Squash is a heirloom squash. Germination takes 7-14 days and fruit ripens from about day 115. Skin runs to multicolored with orange, red, green, and cream striping. Water need is 1-1.5 inches per week, reduce at maturity. Suits zones 3-11.

Squash
115days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost. Plant seeds 1 inch deep.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, reduce at maturity
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with high organic content
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
48-72 inches
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Multicolored with orange, red, green, and cream striping
Size
10-15 lb.
Shape
Turban-shaped with distinctive cap formation
Flavour
Sweet, fine-textured, nutty flavor similar to buttercup squash

In the kitchen

Pies, soups, roasting, baking, purees. Excellent for fall decorating before cooking.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, vine borers
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, black rot
Resistance
Moderate disease resistance, good storage qualities

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
3——June – JulyOctober
4——June – JulyOctober
5——May – JuneOctober
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 creates beneficial microclimate
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil which feeds heavy-feeding squash plants
RadishesDeters squash bugs and cucumber beetles while breaking up soil
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles
MarigoldsRepels nematodes and various harmful insects through root secretions
CatnipStrongly repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other common pests
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides general pest deterrent properties
SunflowersAttracts beneficial insects and provides wind protection for squash vines

Avoid

PotatoesCompetes for similar nutrients and space, may harbor similar soil-borne diseases
FennelInhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathic compounds
Aromatic HerbsStrong herbs like sage can inhibit squash growth and development

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 Turban Squash?

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Similar varieties

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

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