About
Cucurbita moschata 'Avalon' is a winter squash variety that develops elongated fruits characterized by a rounded end opposite the stem. The plants produce these fruits on sprawling vines that can exceed 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length. The fruits have smooth, pale orange skin and typically measure about 12.5 centimeters (5 inches) in diameter and 27.5 centimeters (11 inches) in length. Harvesting can occur from late summer through autumn, and once mature, these squashes are excellent for storage. Their flesh is bright orange, sweet, and offers a pleasant nutty flavor. Weights can reach approximately 2.3 kilograms (about 5 pounds).
About the genus
This genus consists of small, annual herbaceous plants that either climb or trail. Several species within this group are cultivated for their edible fruits and other applications. They originate from Central and South America. The flowers are typically solitary and star-shaped, exhibiting a golden-yellow hue. The leaves are characterized by their palmately lobed structure and are adorned with fine, prickly hairs.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
- Toxicity
- Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, moisture retentive but well drained, acidic to neutral soil in full sun. Sow indoors March to May in good quality seed compost. Sow the seeds on their side 1cm deep and maintain a constant temperature of 18-21C. Feed regularly with a high potassium fertiliser when the first fruits start to swell. See cucurbit cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews