Ornamental Squash ‘Chirimen’
Cucurbita moschata
Description
This darling little gem starts out dark emerald green with subtle yellow flecks, but over time transforms into a warm buff color that’s absolutely stunning. It’s a great squash for eating, too. The moist, sweet flesh is cooked like a butternut squash.
Details
Plant type: annual
Spread: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 18 to 36 in
Pinch: not necessary
Spread: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 18 to 36 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Sow seed indoors 3 weeks before last frost. Plant 2 seeds per 4-in pot and transplant them outside after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds can also be direct-sown into the garden after all danger of frost has passed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest before the first frost arrives and when the stems begin to turn brown and the rind takes on dullness. Cut the stems with a knife or pruning shears rather than pulling fruits off the vine. If you’re not using them right away, clean freshly harvested fruit with a 10-percent bleach-to-water solution and place them out on tables in the garage, shed, or greenhouse (if you have one) to dry. Cure them for 2 to 3 weeks in a warm, dark place, then use the fruit for creating beautiful displays. If properly cured, most squash will last at least 3 months, but don’t be surprised if they persist even longer.
Details
Description
This darling little gem starts out dark emerald green with subtle yellow flecks, but over time transforms into a warm buff color that’s absolutely stunning. It’s a great squash for eating, too. The moist, sweet flesh is cooked like a butternut squash.
Details
Plant type: annual
Spread: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 18 to 36 in
Pinch: not necessary
Spread: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 18 to 36 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Sow seed indoors 3 weeks before last frost. Plant 2 seeds per 4-in pot and transplant them outside after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds can also be direct-sown into the garden after all danger of frost has passed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest before the first frost arrives and when the stems begin to turn brown and the rind takes on dullness. Cut the stems with a knife or pruning shears rather than pulling fruits off the vine. If you’re not using them right away, clean freshly harvested fruit with a 10-percent bleach-to-water solution and place them out on tables in the garage, shed, or greenhouse (if you have one) to dry. Cure them for 2 to 3 weeks in a warm, dark place, then use the fruit for creating beautiful displays. If properly cured, most squash will last at least 3 months, but don’t be surprised if they persist even longer.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Summer Mini Course
Learn how to grow, harvest & arrange beautiful cut flowers
In our three-part video series, you’ll learn a simple step to double the number of blooms your plants produce, how to cut and care for your flowers for the longest vase life, and how to make mixed bouquets quickly and efficiently.
