Queensland Blue Winter Squash, also known simply as Queensland Blue, is a unique and visually striking variety of winter squash that hails from Australia. Named after the Queensland region where it was first cultivated, this squash is easily recognizable by its bluish-grey, deeply ribbed exterior. The thick, hard skin helps it store well over the winter months, making it a staple for those who enjoy garden-to-table eating through the colder seasons.
The flesh of the Queensland Blue Winter Squash is bright orange, dense, and sweet, with a texture that becomes creamy when cooked. This makes it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. It can be roasted, steamed, mashed, or even turned into soups and pies. Its natural sweetness pairs well with a variety of spices, making it a popular choice for both savory and sweet dishes. The seeds, once cleaned and roasted, also make for a nutritious and tasty snack.
Cultivating Queensland Blue Winter Squash requires some gardening know-how, as it needs a long growing season—typically around 100 to 120 days. It thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Gardeners should plant seeds after the last frost date and provide ample space for the vines to spread. Regular watering is essential, but care should be taken to avoid waterlogging the soil. With proper care, this robust squash can yield a bountiful harvest, providing nutritious and delicious food well into the winter months. (C. Maxima)
- QTY: 20
- Seed Planting Depth: 1 to 1.5"
- Germination Temperature: 75-90
- Days to Germination: 3-10
- Row Spacing: 36"
- Plant Spacing: 48"
- Sun: Full
- Harvest time: 90 to 120 days
How to Save Seeds
Pumpkins are actually from the squash family. So they will cross will different types of squash. There are 4 groups of commonly grown varieties of squash. Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita Maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita mixta. With this in mind any variety from the same species or in other terms with the same last name of the 4 species listed above will cross and must be separated 500ft. For instance you can't grow two pepo varieties together or they will cross. Side note: Be sure to check what type of squash you have in order to determine cross pollination chances. Squash and pumpkins can be seed harvested the same way. Let them stay on the vine until fall and then cut off the vine let sit for a week and then cut them open scoop out flesh and place in water. Wash seeds and place them on a screen rack for drying or paper. Turn often so they are able to fully dry a week or so and then properly them store accordingly.
