Squash Winter Pink Banana

The Squash Winter Pink Banana, 'Cucurbita maxima', is an Heirloom introduced in 1893 and common in American Pioneer Gardens. The very smooth velvety skin make it attractive as well as tasty. These 18 to 24 inch long squash are 5 to 7 inches in diameter and with up to 10 pounds. The fiberless yellow orange flesh is great for pies, baking, or canning. The Pink Banana squash is also known as Mexican Banana and Plymouth Rock.Plant in the spring, 2 to 4 weeks after the last average frost date. Squash prefers well drained, rich soil with lots of organic matter. Harvest after first or second light frost. They should be harvested when you can't dent the hard skin with your finger. Winter squash cannot be overripe, but can be under ripe.