How to Grow Cushaw Green Striped
Cucurbita argyrosperma 'Green Striped Cushaw'
Cushaw Green Striped is a large, heirloom winter squash prized for its sweet, nutty flesh and striking striped skin. Gardeners grow this warm-season crop to enjoy delicious pies, soups, and roasts while adding vibrant color to their harvest.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Cushaw Green Striped: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Cushaw Green Striped is not usually started indoors.
This plant is direct-sown only; do not transplant seedlings indoors as cold soil and frost will kill the sensitive roots.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for best results. As a frost-sensitive warm-season plant, you must wait until after the last spring frost when the ground is thoroughly warm before sowing directly outdoors. Do not start indoors; sow seeds about one inch deep in full sun. Expect germination to take anywhere from seven to fourteen days.
Space plants 72 to 96 inches apart to accommodate their sprawling vines. Provide consistent moisture, aiming for one to two inches of water weekly with deep watering preferred. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it away from the stems.
Watch for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, which can damage foliage; encourage natural predators or use row covers early. The plant shows natural resistance to vine borers but remains susceptible to powdery mildew and downy mildew, so ensure good air circulation. Harvest the large fruits 110 to 120 days after planting when they have fully matured.
When to Plant Cushaw Green Striped
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | July – August | November – August |
| Zone 2 | — | June – August | November – September |
| Zone 3 | — | June – July | October |
| Zone 4 | — | June – July | October |
| Zone 5 | — | May – June | October |
| Zone 6 | — | May – June | September – November |
| Zone 7 | — | April – June | September – October |
| Zone 8 | — | April – May | August – October |
| Zone 9 | — | March – April | July – September |
| Zone 10 | — | February – April | July – August |
| Zone 11 | — | January – March | June – July |
| Zone 12 | — | January – March | June – July |
| Zone 13 | — | January – March | June – July |
Companion Plants for Cushaw Green Striped
✓ Good companions
Fixes nitrogen in soil benefiting heavy-feeding squash plants
Strong deterrent against squash bugs and other cucurbit pests
Provides vertical support for squash vines and creates beneficial microclimate
Repels nematodes and various pests including cucumber beetles
Acts as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles
Repels cucumber beetles and provides general pest deterrent properties
Deters squash bugs and cucumber beetles while breaking up soil
Attracts beneficial insects and provides partial shade for squash
✗ Keep away from
Strong scents from sage or rosemary may inhibit squash growth
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of cucurbits and most vegetables
Compete for space and nutrients, may harbor similar soil-borne diseases
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
