Squash Seeds - Winter - Vining - Thelma Sanders

Name: Squash Seeds - Winter - Vining - Thelma Sanders
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: SQ26
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Award-winning acorn-type heirloom with cream skin and smooth, sweet flavor.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: SQ26

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Discover the charm of the Thelma Sanders Winter Squash, a vining variety cherished for its unique ridged acorn shape and creamy tan skin. This heirloom cultivar thrives in sprawling gardens, showcasing vigorous vines that can extend up to 10 feet. Typically maturing in about 85 days, Thelma Sanders promises a bountiful harvest of medium-sized fruits, each weighing around 1-2 pounds, perfect for those who appreciate both beauty and functionality in their garden.

The transformation of Thelma Sanders from a pale cream to a deeper tan as it ripens is a sight to behold. Inside, its flesh reveals a rich, golden hue that hints at the delicious, nutty flavor that awaits. Known for its smooth texture and sweet taste, it is ideal for roasting, baking, or pureeing into soups. This squash is not only a culinary delight but also a nutritious addition to your meals, offering a good source of vitamins and fiber.

In the kitchen, Thelma Sanders Winter Squash is versatile and easy to prepare. Its compact size makes it manageable, while its thick skin stores well, allowing you to enjoy its flavors long after the harvest season. Whether you’re crafting a comforting soup or a savory side dish, this squash brings a hearty, homegrown taste to your table. Embrace the tradition and taste of Thelma Sanders, a true testament to the enduring appeal of heirloom varieties.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

Life Cycle

Annual

Scientific Name

Cucurbita pepo var. turbinata

Maturity

90-99 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

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

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Thelma Sanders' (Cucurbita pepo)Insects & MitesSquash Bugs (Anasa tristis)Controls: Handpick adults and nymphs early in the morning. Place boards near plants overnight to attract bugs, then destroy them in the morning. Use floating row covers until flowering. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.Cucumber Beetles (Acalymma vittatum and Diabrotica undecimpunctata)Controls: Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce populations. Apply kaolin clay to deter feeding. Introduce beneficial nematodes to target larvae in the soil. Rotate crops annually to disrupt life cycles.DiseasesPowdery Mildew (Podosphaera xanthii)Controls: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Apply sulfur-based fungicides at the first sign of infection. Remove and destroy affected leaves. Water plants at the base to avoid wetting foliage.Downy Mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis)Controls: Use resistant varieties when available. Apply copper-based fungicides preventatively. Ensure proper plant spacing and avoid overhead irrigation. Remove and destroy infected plant debris.Physiological & Environmental IssuesBlossom End RotCauses: Calcium deficiency often due to irregular watering.Controls: Maintain consistent soil moisture. Mulch to conserve soil moisture. Test soil and amend with lime if calcium is deficient. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.SunscaldCauses: Exposure of fruits to intense sunlight.Controls: Provide adequate leaf cover by ensuring healthy plant growth. Use shade cloth during peak sun hours if necessary. Avoid excessive pruning that exposes fruit.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Inspect plants regularly for signs of insect activity and disease.- Use row covers to protect young plants from pests.- Maintain proper plant spacing for air circulation.- Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases.- Rotate crops and practice good garden sanitation.- Apply organic mulches to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

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Thelma Sanders, the cherished heirloom winter squash, emerges from the fertile soils of Missouri, where it was lovingly cultivated by the Sanders family for generations. Named after Thelma Sanders, who first shared its seeds with the broader gardening community, this squash is a testament to the enduring legacy of family farming and seed stewardship. The name itself carries a sense of warmth and heritage, evoking images of family gatherings and hearty meals shared around the table.For decades, Thelma Sanders squash has been a staple in Midwestern kitchens, prized not only for its sweet, nutty flavor but also for its versatility and storability. Local cooks would bake, roast, or puree it into soups and pies, relishing its rich taste during the cold winter months. In rural homesteads, the squash's hardiness and long shelf life made it an invaluable food source, sustaining families through the lean seasons. It was a symbol of self-sufficiency and the agrarian way of life, often grown alongside other heirloom varieties in diverse kitchen gardens.Though it thrived quietly in Missouri for years, the wider gardening world came to appreciate Thelma Sanders squash in the late 20th century, when seed savers and heirloom enthusiasts began exchanging its seeds. Its unique flavor and robust growth habit captured the attention of home gardeners and chefs alike, leading to its inclusion in seed catalogs and culinary circles. This recognition helped fuel the heirloom vegetable renaissance, inspiring a renewed interest in preserving agricultural biodiversity and traditional farming practices.Thelma Sanders squash also became a botanical treasure. Genetic studies highlighted its status as a pure strain of Cucurbita pepo, the species that includes pumpkins, zucchinis, and many other squashes. Its distinct creamy skin and ribbed form set it apart from other winter squashes, making it a favorite among seed collectors and garden historians.While modern hybrid squashes may offer increased yields or disease resistance, Thelma Sanders remains a beloved heirloom: the squash that embodies the spirit of American homesteading and culinary tradition. It is the variety that transformed \"Thelma Sanders\" into a symbol of heritage gardening, appearing in everything from seed exchanges and community gardens to farm-to-table menus.Yet in its native Missouri, Thelma Sanders squash is more than a cultivar or culinary delight. It is a cultural artifact, intertwined with the land and families of the region, a living testament to agricultural heritage and flavor. To grow Thelma Sanders today is to partake in a narrative that bridges local gardens and global appreciation, honoring both the ancestral farmers who first nurtured its growth and the modern gardeners who continue to celebrate its legacy.

Shipped from U.S.A.

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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