Overview
Cucurbita maxima 'Hubbard' is Hubbard winter squash, a vigorous trailing annual vine 120-180 inches (300-450 cm / 10-15 feet) long and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall. Large teardrop-shaped winter squash 10-25 pounds (4.5-11 kg) with an extremely hard rind in blue-gray (Blue Hubbard), orange (Golden Hubbard), or green (Green Hubbard). Dense fine-grained orange flesh with a sweet dry texture. Bright yellow trumpet-shaped monoecious flowers. Large heart-shaped round-lobed leaves with round spongy stems (not ridged — a C. maxima diagnostic distinguishing it from C. pepo and C. moschata). In the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). Heirloom: named by Elizabeth Hubbard, introduced ~1842 in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Stores 6-8 months at 50-55°F (10-13°C) — one of the longest-storing winter squash. The rind is extremely hard — often requires a saw or dropping onto a hard surface to open. Monoecious: requires bee pollination. The vines require 100-150 sq ft (9-14 m²) per plant — not suited to small gardens. Matures in 100-120 days from seed. Squash bugs (Anasa tristis) and powdery mildew are the primary threats. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun. Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Heirloom cultivar introduced ~1842 in Marblehead, Massachusetts. The species C. maxima is native to the Andes of South America (Bolivia, northern Argentina).Suggested Uses
Grown in large vegetable gardens with 100-150 sq ft (9-14 m²) per plant. Not suited to small gardens. The longest-storing winter squash (6-8 months). Heirloom. The extremely hard rind requires a saw to open. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Non-toxic. Tender annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread10' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer (July-September). Bright yellow trumpet-shaped monoecious flowers. Requires bee pollination. Fruit matures 100-120 days from seed when the rind is extremely hard and the stem is dry and corky.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow, trumpet-shaped, 4-5 inches (10-12 cm); monoeciousFoliage Description
Medium to dark green, large heart-shaped with rounded lobes, 10-14 inches (25-35 cm), with fine hairs; stems round and spongy (not ridged — a C. maxima diagnostic)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Rich moist soil pH 6.0-6.8. Requires bee pollination. Trailing vines need 100-150 sq ft (9-14 m²) per plant. Pinch vine tips after 2-3 fruit set. Leave on vine until rind is extremely hard and stem is dry. Store 6-8 months at 50-55 degrees F (10-13 degrees C). Squash bugs and powdery mildew. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Tender annual.Pruning
Pinch growing vine tips after 2-3 fruit have set to redirect energy to fruit development. Remove subsequent female flowers. Lift developing fruit onto dry boards or straw to prevent bottom rot. Remove mildewed leaves.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
moderate⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
3 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
After last frost when soil temperature reaches 65 degrees F (18 degrees C)+
Days to Maturity
100–120 days
Plant Spacing
48 inches