Description
Boston Marrow Squash Seeds 2241. Heirloom Vegetable.
Limited supply. Available while supplies last.
The Boston Marrow Squash is a legendary heirloom variety that has been a staple in North American gardens since its introduction in 1833. Often cited as the original “pie pumpkin,” this squash produces large, tear-drop shaped fruits with a striking, bumpy orange-red rind. While its appearance is beautiful, it is the quality of the flesh that makes it famous; the bright orange interior is thick, remarkably sweet, and lacks the stringy texture found in many other winter squashes. It is widely considered the premier variety for canning, baking, and making the world’s finest squash pies.
This Open Pollinated winter squash is a vigorous grower, producing fruits that typically weigh between 5–9 kg.
Quick Seed Details
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Type: Heirloom Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima)
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Maturity: 100–110 days
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Fruit Size: 5–9 kg; tear-drop shape
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Flesh: Sweet, fine-grained, and bright orange
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Storage: Excellent keeper; skin hardens for long-term winter storage.
Nutritional Information
Boston Marrow is a powerhouse of nutrition, exceptionally high in Vitamin A (Beta-carotene) and a good source of Vitamin C and dietary fibre. Its natural sweetness means you can often use less sugar in your recipes, making it a healthy choice for homemade purees and soups.
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Winter squash requires a long, warm season and plenty of room to spread.
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Sow Outdoors: Direct sow in late May or early June once the soil has warmed to at least 18°C.
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Planting Depth & Spacing: Sow 2.5 cm deep in “hills” spaced 2 metres apart. Plant 4–6 seeds per hill.
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Thinning: Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin to the 2 strongest plants per hill.
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Sow Indoors (Optional): Start 3–4 weeks before the last frost in peat or fibre pots to protect the sensitive root system during transplanting.
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Care: Provide Full Sun and rich, fertile soil. Squash are heavy feeders; working plenty of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting will help maximize your fruit size.
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Harvest: Harvest in the fall before the first hard frost. Leave a few inches of stem attached to the fruit to prevent rot during storage.
Why Boston Marrow Squash Seeds belong in Your Garden
If you are a fan of traditional baking or homesteading, the Boston Marrow is a “must-grow.” It offers a piece of living history and a flavour profile that modern commercial squashes simply cannot match. Its excellent storage capabilities mean you can enjoy the fruits of your summer labour well into the winter months.
SCOUT IPPM
OSC Seeds recommends using SCOUT IPPM to evaluate pests and pollinator populations in your cucurbit crops. Developed in partnership with the University of Guelph and Pollinator Partnership Canada, the SCOUT IPPM app uses scientific data and government guidelines to set action recommendations for growers. Free download is available on App Store and Google Play.
