Vegetable · Cucurbitaceae family
winter squash
Cucurbita maxima
In short a 10-second read
Winter squash (vegetable) grows to 0.3–0.6 m tall and 0.9–3 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Sow in May–June. Harvest in September–October.
× spread 0.9–3 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: a lot
Soil: humus-rich, loamy
Soil pH 6–8
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
cut back by a third (as needed)
Sowing
direct sowing: May–June
Harvest
September–October
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow winter squash?
In May–June (direct sowing).
When is winter squash harvested?
In September–October.
Does winter squash tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does winter squash need?
At maturity 0.9–3 m wide and 0.3–0.6 m tall; recommended spacing 90 cm.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 7 expert sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (7)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Cucurbita maxima
- RHS — Squash — grow your own
- Wikidata (CC0) — Cucurbita maxima
- EPPO Global Database — Cucurbita maxima
- Clemson HGIC - Pumpkins & Winter Squash
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, EASIN
