Horti Tops® Pumpkin Rouge vif d’ Etampes

Pumpkin Rouge vif d’ Etampes (Cucurbita maxima)

The Giant Squash Family

Cucurbita maxima includes the largest squashes – giant pumpkins that weigh over 1000 kg are this species. But it also includes some of the sweetest eating squashes like Hubbard, buttercup, and kabocha. These are serious winter storage squashes.

Excellent Eating Varieties

Hubbard: The classic American winter squash. Sweet, fine-grained flesh.

Buttercup: Sweet and smooth with distinctive turban shape.

Kabocha: Japanese variety with chestnut-like sweetness. Exceptional flavor.

Red Kuri: Teardrop-shaped with smooth, chestnut-flavored flesh.

Storing Winter Squash

Properly cured and stored, winter squashes keep for months:

Cure: Leave in warm (25-30°C), dry place for 10-14 days to harden skin.

Store: Keep in cool (10-15°C), dry location. Check regularly for soft spots.

Flavor improves: Many winter squashes actually taste better after a month or two of storage as starches convert to sugar.

Growing Tips

These squashes need space – vines spread far. They need warm soil, full sun, and consistent water. Harvest before hard frost, leaving a few inches of stem attached. Handle carefully – damaged squash does not store well.

Growing Pumpkin Rouge vif d’ Etampes