Description
Turk’s Turban Squash Seeds (Winter Type) 2257.
Striking Heirloom Winter Squash with Vibrant Striped Turban Caps and Delicious Sweet Flesh.
Turk’s Turban Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima) is a celebrated open-pollinated heirloom prized for its dramatic appearance and exceptional culinary quality. The flattened, drum-shaped fruits grow 20 to 25 cm across and feature vivid orange-red shoulders with a prominent, bulbous “turban” top decorated in striking stripes and speckles of green, white, orange, and red. While often grown for autumn decorative displays, Turk’s Turban is also a delicious edible winter squash with fine-textured, sweet flesh perfect for roasting, stuffing, or blending into rich autumn soups.
Quick Seed Details
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Product Code: 2257
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Botanical Name: Cucurbita maxima ‘Turk’s Turban’
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Type: Open-Pollinated Heirloom Winter Squash
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Fruit Size: 20–25 cm across
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Plant Spacing: Space hills 2.4 m apart
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Light Requirement: Full Sun
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Soil Preference: Deep, rich, organic, well-draining soil (pH 5.5–6.5)
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Germination: 7–10 days in warm soil
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Seed Depth: 2.5 cm deep
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Seed Count: Approx. 10 seeds per packet (10–12 seeds per gram)
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Squash are heat-loving crops that demand full sun, compost-rich soil, and careful handling during transplanting to avoid root disturbance.
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Direct Sowing (Recommended): Direct sow seeds outdoors from late May to mid-June once soil temperatures have warmed. Plant seeds 2.5 cm deep in hills spaced 2.4 m apart, placing 4 to 6 seeds per hill. Thin to the 3 strongest seedlings per hill after emergence.
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Indoor Starting: In shorter-season regions, start seeds indoors 3 weeks before outdoor planting. Sow directly into paper, fibre, or peat pots to avoid root disturbance during transplanting.
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Soil Preparation & Care: Work generous amounts of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil prior to planting. Keep soil consistently moist throughout the growing season.
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Harvesting & Storage: Harvest mature squash before the first hard autumn frost when the rind becomes tough. Leave a short stem section attached. Store in a cool, dry place for both seasonal display and winter eating.
Why Turk’s Turban Squash Seeds belong in Your Garden
If you want a dual-purpose heirloom that serves as an eye-catching autumn table centrepiece before making a delicious winter meal, Turk’s Turban Squash is a fantastic choice. Its spectacular shape, vibrant colours, and delicious sweet flavour make it a favourite for Canadian home gardeners and market growers alike.
