Squash, 'Celebration', F1 Hybrid

Germination

For best results sow indoors or under glass. Sow 2-3 seeds on edge 20mm deep in a small pot of moist well-drained seed compost. Water well. Ideal temp. 18-22°C. Germination takes 7-14 days. When first true leaves appear prick out into individual 8cm pots. Acclimatise and plant out once danger of frost has passed with 90cm spacing. Can be sown directly where they are to crop. Sow 20mm deep into finely prepared soil. Sow 2-3 seeds together so that cloche protection can be offered if needed. Thin to single seedling as soon as possible.

Growing

Prefers rich, well fertilised soil with plenty of well rotted organic matter. Prefers 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Water well until established, water the soil and not the plant.

Cultivation

Raise fruit off the ground on straw to prevent against rotting. Harvest in late summer-autumn when the skin of the squash has hardened and cracking starts to appear near the stem. Cut from the vine leaving a 5cm stem on the pumpkin.