Squash Seeds - Custard White

20 Seeds.

Other Names - Summer Squash…

This squash has a good firm texture and excellent flavour. The Custard White squashes are delicious when baked whole. This variety has a bushy habit which makes it a perfect choice of squash to grow if space is limited. The attractive creamy white smooth disk like fruits have scalloped edges and can grow as large as 1kg in weight.

• Best picked small when the skins are soft.
• This variety has a bushy habit making it ideal for smaller gardens.
• Produces attractive creamy white smooth disc like fruits with pretty scalloped edges.

Suitable For - Vegetable plot, raised beds, container garden

Sowing Months - Late April - early June

Harvest - July - October

Gardening is about finding the right balance! Try growing Companion Plants close by to help deter pests.

• Amaranth is great for attracting the ground beetle. This predatory beetle eats slugs, snails, slug and snail eggs, caterpillars and weed seed.
• French marigolds will attract pollinators to the area which in turn will pollinate the squash flowers.
• Try growing lavender in containers. When squash plants start to flower position a few lavender plants close by to attract pollinating insects. Move the perennial lavender to other areas of the garden as and when needed.
• One of the best plants for attracting pollinating insects into the area is the Phacelia. It also attracts aphid eating insects such as ladybirds and lacewings. At the end of the season it can be dug into the soil as a green manure.

Soil Preperation

Add some well rotted manure or compost to the growing area a few months before planting. 1 - 2 weeks before planting add some general purpose organic fertilizer and remove any weeds.

Sowing Guide

Early Sowing/Module Sowing

Sow 1 seed on its edge per 5 - 7 cm pot. Ensure adequate heat is available for fast germination. Once germination starts reduce the heat and move the seedlings to an area with good daylight exposure, a warm windowsill or warm greenhouse. 2 - 3 weeks after germination plant out.
The plants will need hardening off over 7 - 10 days before planting out to reduce shock. Discard any weak or unhealthy looking plants. Plant out at the distance suggested above.
If the soil is poor with very little organic matter it will be beneficial at this stage to dig a trench about 30 cm wide and 30 cm deep for each individual plant. Fill each trench with a 50 / 50 mix of either compost or well rotted manure and soil. Plant out carefully as the stems of the plants are very fragile and easy to snap or damage. Firm the soil around each plant and water well. Cover the newly planted squash plants with horticultural fleece.

Direct Sowing

Squash plants are vulnerable to the cold, it is best to start the seeds indoors then a few weeks later plant out.

Growing On

Weed often especially in the early stages. The plants are fast growing, with large leaves, long stems and require plenty of room. Water well in dry weather, water around the base of the plants rather that over the leaves.
They will benefit from a mulch of compost to help retain the moisture in the surrounding soil.

Harvesting

Harvest summer squash by cutting the stem with a sharp knife, leaving 2 - 3 cm of stem. They will need picking regularly throughout the growing season just like courgettes. Regular picking will encourage more fruits to grow. Summer squash will store in the fridge for 1 - 2 weeks however they will not be suitable for storing over the winter months.