This means the Americas were practicing agriculture at the same time barley was being cultivated in the Jordan Valley in the Near East. Varieties of the same species will cross-pollinate with each other and not necessarily breed true. It is possible, though, to plant one C. pepo , one C. maxima and one C. moschata and save the seed from the fruits. For earlier squash, start indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost date and transplant carefully, avoiding disturbance of the root ball. These plants love abundant compost and will produce better if well fed.
All plants are vines, unless otherwise indicated.
All squash packets contain 15 to 35 seeds per packet, enough to sow about 15 to 35 row feet. Pepos that are picked as mature squash need no curing and can store for several months in a cool, dark place. Cure C. maxima varieties for ten days at 80-85 F to improve their sweetness. C. moschata need to cure for about two months after harvest to achieve full sweetness and flavor.