Squash Seeds - Winter - Vining - Hopi Orange

Name: Squash Seeds - Winter - Vining - Hopi Orange
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: SQ24
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Traditional Hopi heirloom with brilliant orange rind and richly sweet, dry flesh.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: SQ24

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Discover the rich heritage of the Hopi Orange Winter Squash, a vining cultivar cherished for its robust growth and striking appearance. This organic variety thrives with a sprawling vine habit, reaching impressive lengths that make it a standout in any garden. Typically maturing in around 100 days, the Hopi Orange produces large, round fruits that transition from a deep green to a vibrant orange as they ripen, signaling their readiness for harvest.

The fruits of the Hopi Orange are not only visually appealing but also offer a delightful culinary experience. Each squash boasts a thick, sweet, orange flesh that is perfect for roasting, soups, and baking. The flavor profile is rich and nutty, providing a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes. This heirloom variety is known for its excellent storage capabilities, allowing you to enjoy its bounty well into the winter months.

In addition to its culinary merits, the Hopi Orange Winter Squash is celebrated for its cultural significance and resilience. Originating from the Hopi Native American tribe, this squash is adapted to arid climates, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in similar regions. With its high yields and stunning fruits, the Hopi Orange is a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional agricultural practices.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

Life Cycle

Annual

Scientific Name

Cucurbita maxima var. maxima

Maturity

100-109 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

In-ground bed, Raised bed, Greenhouse, High Tunnel, Community garden

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Hopi Orange' (Cucurbita maxima)Insects & MitesSquash Bugs (Anasa tristis) (wilting, yellowing leaves)Controls: Handpick adults and nymphs early in the morning. Use floating row covers until flowering. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to nymphs. Encourage natural predators like tachinid flies and parasitic wasps by planting nectar-rich flowers nearby.Cucumber Beetles (Acalymma vittatum and Diabrotica undecimpunctata) (leaf damage, bacterial wilt transmission)Controls: Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce populations. Apply kaolin clay as a deterrent. Introduce beneficial nematodes to target larvae in the soil. Rotate crops to prevent overwintering.DiseasesPowdery Mildew (Podosphaera xanthii) (white powdery spots on leaves)Controls: Ensure good air circulation by proper spacing and pruning. Apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate at first sign of disease. Use resistant varieties when possible. Water at the base to avoid wetting foliage.Downy Mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) (yellow spots on leaves, grayish mold on undersides)Controls: Remove and destroy infected leaves. Apply copper-based fungicides as a preventive measure. Ensure good drainage and avoid overhead watering. Rotate crops annually to reduce soil-borne spores.Physiological & Environmental IssuesBlossom End Rot (calcium deficiency, water-soaked spots on fruit)Controls: Maintain consistent soil moisture and avoid drought stress. Test soil and amend with lime if calcium is low. Mulch to retain soil moisture and use drip irrigation to provide even watering.Heat Stress (wilting, sunscald on fruit)Controls: Provide shade during peak heat using shade cloths. Ensure adequate watering during hot periods. Mulch to keep soil temperatures stable. Select planting dates to avoid peak summer heat.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Inspect plants regularly for early signs of insect activity and disease.- Encourage beneficial insects by planting companion flowers.- Maintain proper plant spacing for air circulation.- Rotate crops annually to disrupt pest and disease cycles.- Use row covers to protect young plants from pests.- Apply organic treatments at the first sign of pest or disease.- Ensure consistent watering and soil health for robust plant growth.

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Hopi Orange, the storied winter squash, emerges from the arid and sun-drenched landscapes of the American Southwest, particularly among the Hopi and other Puebloan peoples of northeastern Arizona. The name itself is imbued with cultural resonance: \"Hopi\" refers to the indigenous tribe known for their deep agricultural traditions, while \"Orange\" describes the vibrant hue of its mature rind, reminiscent of the desert sunsets that paint the sky.For generations, Hopi Orange has been more than just sustenance; it is a cornerstone of Hopi agriculture and cuisine, cherished for its sweet, nutty flavor and its ability to store through the harsh winter months. In traditional Hopi farming, the squash is interplanted with corn and beans in a symbiotic trio known as the \"Three Sisters,\" a method that enhances soil fertility and maximizes yield. The flesh of the squash is roasted, stewed, or dried into strips, providing vital nourishment during the colder seasons. Beyond the kitchen, Hopi Orange holds ceremonial importance, often featured in rituals celebrating the harvest and the cycles of nature.Despite its deep roots in Hopi culture, the wider world remained largely unaware of this squash until the late 20th century, when a growing interest in heirloom and organic agriculture brought it to the attention of gardeners and food enthusiasts. Its unique flavor, coupled with its resilience to drought and pests, made it a favorite among those seeking sustainable and culturally significant crops. Botanically, Hopi Orange is a variety of Cucurbita maxima, a species known for its large, sprawling vines and diverse fruit shapes. Genetic studies suggest that it is a descendant of ancient squashes domesticated in South America, which migrated northward over millennia, adapting to the diverse climates of the Americas. This lineage is evident in its robust growth habit and thick, protective rind, traits that have allowed it to thrive in the challenging conditions of the Southwest.While modern cultivars and hybrids have expanded the palette of winter squashes available today, Hopi Orange remains a beloved heirloom, a testament to the agricultural ingenuity of the Hopi people. It is a squash that not only feeds the body but also nourishes the spirit, connecting those who grow and eat it to a rich tapestry of history and tradition. To cultivate Hopi Orange today is to engage with a living legacy, honoring the ancient farmers who first nurtured its vines and the contemporary growers who continue to celebrate its enduring heritage.

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Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

Triple tested

We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

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