Ornamental Squash ‘Long Island Cheese’

Cucurbita moschata

Features

  • Easy to grow
  • Edible
  • Heat-loving
  • Vine

Description

This warm peach-toned pumpkin has a low, flat appearance resembling a wheel of cheese. Known for its sweet flavor, this variety makes an outstanding choice for pumpkin pies as well as other recipes, and it has good keeping quality. ‘Long Island Cheese’ is a prized heirloom.

Details

Plant type: annual
Spread: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 105 days
Plant spacing: 18 to 36 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Sow seed indoors 3 weeks before last frost. Plant 2 seeds per 4-in pot and transplant them outside after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds can also be direct-sown into the garden after all danger of frost has passed.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest before the first frost arrives and when the stems begin to turn brown and the rind takes on dullness. Cut the stems with a knife or pruning shears rather than pulling fruits off the vine. If you’re not using them right away, clean freshly harvested fruit with a 10-percent bleach-to-water solution and place them out on tables in the garage, shed, or greenhouse (if you have one) to dry. Cure them for 2 to 3 weeks in a warm, dark place, then use the fruit for creating beautiful displays. If properly cured, most squash will last at least 3 months, but don’t be surprised if they persist even longer.

Details

Description

This warm peach-toned pumpkin has a low, flat appearance resembling a wheel of cheese. Known for its sweet flavor, this variety makes an outstanding choice for pumpkin pies as well as other recipes, and it has good keeping quality. ‘Long Island Cheese’ is a prized heirloom.

Details

Plant type: annual
Spread: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 105 days
Plant spacing: 18 to 36 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Sow seed indoors 3 weeks before last frost. Plant 2 seeds per 4-in pot and transplant them outside after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds can also be direct-sown into the garden after all danger of frost has passed.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest before the first frost arrives and when the stems begin to turn brown and the rind takes on dullness. Cut the stems with a knife or pruning shears rather than pulling fruits off the vine. If you’re not using them right away, clean freshly harvested fruit with a 10-percent bleach-to-water solution and place them out on tables in the garage, shed, or greenhouse (if you have one) to dry. Cure them for 2 to 3 weeks in a warm, dark place, then use the fruit for creating beautiful displays. If properly cured, most squash will last at least 3 months, but don’t be surprised if they persist even longer.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.