Crop: Squash (Cucurbita maxima)

Use/Type: Winter

Breeder: Carol Deppe Fertile Valley Seeds

OSSI Pledge Date: 10/13/2016

Release Date: January 2017

Bred for Organic Systems: Yes

Commercial Availability: Yes

Variety Type: Breeding Population

Description

I started by crossing Sweet Meat—Oregon Homestead and Sunshine F1 hybrid. This is the F3. I want a great-flavored squash of good size with multiple colors from one variety. I want it to be somewhat earlier than SM—OH for resilience to weather issues and other vicissitudes. I want the flesh thickness, storage life, seed quality, and NW adaptation of SM—OH, and the earliness, drought-tolerance, and genes for orange color and undiluted color from Sunshine. Size varies from 4 to 22 pounds but most are 8 to 16. Colors may be pink, orange, green, blue, mosaic, or even white. Most plants are vigorous vines, but there are a few bushes too. About a month earlier than SM—OH. All seem to have thick flesh judging from the heft. I’ve tasted 5 so far; flavor of one was excellent, 2 were good, one was okay, and one was insipid. Most fruits seem to be storing well, but about 10% didn’t. Great breeding material with many possibilities, and a work in progress for those who would like to share in the adventure. Bred by Carol Deppe, Fertile Valley Seeds.

Availability from OSSI Seed Company Partners

• Fertile Valley Seeds