Sugar Loaf Hessel
Crop: Squash (Cucurbita pepo)
Use/Type: Winter Squash
Breeder: Mike Hessel
OSSI Pledge Date: 2016
Release Date: 2016
Bred for Organic Systems: No
Commercial Availability: Yes
Variety Type: Finished Variety
Description
“Cucurbita pepo Open pollinated. 100 days. Mike Hessel’s line of Sugar Loaf “”Tan Delicata”” is the best available. Classic intense Sugar Loaf flavor, bigger fruit, Hessel’s Sugar Loaf Winter Squash has thicker flesh and higher yield than other lines. An improved version of OSU released “”Sugar Loaf”” Winter Squash which was developed by Dr. James Baggett whom Mike studied under. A Nichols Garden Nursery introduction. Planting Directions: Plant in spring when soil is between 70° to 95˚. Plant in soil that has been amended with rich compost or general garden fertilizer. Plant 6-8 seeds ½ – 1” deep in hills spaced 3’ to 6’ apart. Thin seedlings to 3 per hill. Seeds may also be started indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost. Transplant to hills after all danger of frost has past and soil has warmed and remains 65°-75˚. Squash need heavy watering on a regular schedule. Fruits are ready when the rind is hard to the fingernail and the stems begin to dry.”
Availability from OSSI Seed Company Partners
