Cucurbita maxima

This squash is native to subtropical areas of South America (Argentina-Bolivia-Uruguay) where it was first domesticated. It is a monoecious, creeping, vine-like annual that features running stems to 12' long. Some bush cultivars are also now available. Rounded leaves are usually unlobed with toothed margins. Flowers are pale to deep yellow. Soft or hard-shelled fruits come in a variety of shapes from rounded to cylindrical. Fruits are usually left on the plant to mature for fall harvest as winter squashes. This species includes a variety of pumpkins (some to 100+ pounds), and a large an... more »

This squash is native to subtropical areas of South America (Argentina-Bolivia-Uruguay) where it was first domesticated. It is a monoecious, creeping, vine-like annual that features running stems to 12' long. Some bush cultivars are also now available. Rounded leaves are usually unlobed with toothed margins. Flowers are pale to deep yellow. Soft or hard-shelled fruits come in a variety of shapes from rounded to cylindrical. Fruits are usually left on the plant to mature for fall harvest as winter squashes. This species includes a variety of pumpkins (some to 100+ pounds), and a large and diverse collection of other winter squashes, in colors ranging from blue to gray to pale green to orange to multi-colored, and in a variety of different shapes and sizes ranging from rounded to cylindrical (e.g., buttercup, hubbard, turban, banana, and Australian blue). Many of these winter squashes are noted for having excellent flavor. Plants in this species are sometimes commonly called soft-stemmed squash because the fruit stalks generally have a soft, thick, corky texture. (less)