Pumpkin- Green Hubbard

Description

Pumpkin - Green Hubbard (Cucurbita maxima) is a highly valued heirloom pumpkin known for its unique deep green skin, dense, flavorful flesh, and impressive storage capabilities. It is part of the Hubbard squash family, popular for both its culinary uses and ornamental appeal. The Green Hubbard pumpkin is appreciated for its sweet, starchy flesh, making it ideal for a variety of savory and sweet dishes.

Features:

Appearance: Green Hubbard pumpkins are characterized by their robust, deeply ribbed skin that starts off dark green and sometimes turns a slightly duller, faded green as they mature. The shape is round with some squatty characteristics, and they can sometimes appear slightly irregular with pointed ends. The texture of the skin is rugged and bumpy.

Size: Green Hubbard pumpkins typically range from medium to large, growing to a weight of 10-20 pounds. Some pumpkins can even exceed this weight under ideal conditions.

Flesh: Inside, the flesh is dense, golden-yellow, and firm. It has a rich, sweet, nutty flavor and is less watery than some other pumpkin varieties, making it an excellent choice for cooking, baking, and preserving.

Uses:

Culinary: Green Hubbard pumpkins are prized for their versatility in cooking. The flesh can be roasted, pureed into soups or pies, or mashed for side dishes. Due to its dense texture, it is also used for stuffing or baking whole. It holds its form well, offering a rich, sweet flavor perfect for savory and sweet recipes. This variety is often considered one of the best pumpkins for pies, as the flesh has a smoother, more velvety consistency when cooked.

Storage: One of the key features of Green Hubbard pumpkins is their excellent storage potential. They can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to several months, even after being harvested, which makes them ideal for long-term storage in the fall and winter months.

Planting Instructions:

Soil: Green Hubbard pumpkins prefer well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, enriched with organic matter. Ideal soil conditions are essential to growing large, high-quality pumpkins.

Planting Time: The seeds should be planted indoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost date, then transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are reliably above 60°F (15°C).

Spacing: Space plants about 4–5 feet apart, allowing them room to spread. Rows should be spaced about 6–8 feet apart to accommodate the pumpkin vines' spread and growth.

Growing Instructions:

Sunlight: Green Hubbard pumpkins require full sun (6-8 hours a day) to thrive. They grow best in warm environments with plenty of sunshine to support strong flowering and fruit development.

Watering: Provide consistent moisture to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the fruit development phase. However, avoid excessive watering, as it can lead to waterlogging and pumpkin rot.