central points
muffin squash , also known asKabocha squash , is a delectable and various wintertime squash that is easy to grow in dwelling house garden . With its sweet , nutty flavor and vivacious orange flesh , jewel squashis a welcome addition to anyfall harvest . Planting gem squash seeds is a simple operation that can be done successfully by gardeners of all experience grade . This comprehensive guidebook will provide you with all the information you need to lie with about planting gem squash seed , from semen natural selection to harvesting .
Seed Selection
The first stride in plantinggem squashseeds is to select the correct variety . There are many unlike mixture of gem crush uncommitted , each with its ownunique characteristics . Some popular varieties admit :
Once you have selected a variety , you canpurchase seedsfrom alocal nurseryor online retail merchant .
Soil Preparation
treasure squash seed need well - drain soilthat is rich inorganic matter . To fix your soil , till it to a depth of 12 in andadd compostor manure . The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 6.8 .
Planting
treasure squash seeds should be planted in the springtime orearly summer , after the last frost . embed the source 1 inch inscrutable and 4 metrical unit aside . Water the seeds well , and keep thesoil moistuntil the ejaculate sprout .
Germination and Seedling Care
Gem squash seed typically sprout within 7 - 10 days . Once the seedlings have come forth , thin them out so that only thestrongest seedlings remain . Water theseedlings on a regular basis , and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer every few workweek .
Mulching
Mulching aroundgem squash plants helpsto keep moisture , suppress gage , and regulate soil temperature . Use athick layerof mulch , such as straw orwood chips , around the plants .
Watering
precious stone squeeze plant needregular lachrymation , peculiarly during spicy , dry atmospheric condition . Water the plants deep , and take into account the stain to dry out out slightly before irrigate again .
Pollination
muffin squash plants are monoicous , intend that they have both male and female flowerson the same plant . However , the virile flower typically bloom first , so it is of import to mitt - pollinate the female flowers if you want to ensure a good harvesting . To hand - pollinate , simply utilize asmall brushto transferral pollen from the virile blossom to the distaff flowers .
Harvesting
Gem squash vine is quick to harvest in the declension , when the skin is hard and the soma is firm . Cut the squash from the vine with asharp tongue , and stash away it in a cool , dry placefor up to 3 months .
Troubleshooting
There are a fewcommon problemsthat you may encounter whengrowing gem squash . These problem admit :
In a nutshell
Planting gem squash seeds is a simple and rewarding operation that can be enjoyed by gardeners of all experience story . With a little caution and care , you may grow abountiful harvestof delicious gem squash .
Information You Need to Know
Q : How long does it take forgem mash seedsto germinate?A : Gem squelch seeds typically germinatewithin 7 - 10 day . Q : How late should I engraft treasure squelch seeds?A : Gem squash seedsshould be plant 1 inch abstruse . Q : How far asunder should I imbed muffin squelch seeds?A : Gem squash seedsshould be planted 4 foot apart . Q : How often should I water stone squelch plants?A : Gem squash plantsshould bewatered deeplyand regularly , especially during red-hot , dry weather . Q : How can I forestall blossom - end rot on gem squash plants?A : To forbid bloom - end rot , add limeor gypsum to the dirt before constitute .