La Estrella F1 Tropical Pumpkin Seeds

squash vine borers, but plants still need monitoring for damage. Cucurbita moschata varieties are generally less susceptible to squash vine borers than many other squash, but damage is still possible. Growing conditions and care matter. Why species predicts survival here. ✅ Germination Promise: if your seeds fail to germinate under proper growing conditions, contact us within one year and we will replace them or refund your purchase. See the details . This Cucurbita moschata hybrid is a winter squash for roasting, puree, soups and stews. Moschata varieties tend to be less susceptible to squash vine borers than many C. pepo squash, but pest damage is still possible. Check vines regularly and plan enough warm growing time for fruit to mature. La Estrella produces beautiful, nearly rib-less fruits averaging around 10 lbs, with a striking mix of green, tan, and red-orange coloring that deepens as it cures. The flesh is sweet, smooth, and firm - exactly what Caribbean, Latin, and South American cooks have been reaching for in Calabasa squash for a long time. Depending on where you shop, you will see this same squash sold as calabaza, Jamaican pumpkin, West Indian pumpkin, or Cuban squash. It roasts well, purees beautifully, and holds up in soups and stews without turning to mush. Curious how these tropical moschatas earn their keep here? Read our Jamaican Tropical Pumpkin growing guide for the Caribbean side of the story. Plan for 125 days from transplant to harvest. Give it room - moschata vines are vigorous. A cattle panel tunnel or a generous patch of ground will serve it well. At a Glance Species: Cucurbita moschata (vine borer resistant) Type: F1 Hybrid Days to Maturity: ~125 Fruit Weight: ~10 lbs Skin Color: Green, tan, and red-orange Flesh: Sweet, smooth, firm Storage: Excellent Seed Treatment: Available untreated or treated (FarMore FI400) Choose untreated seed or seed treated with FarMore FI400 from the options above. TREATED SEED - not for food or feed. Plant after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed. Read the full La Estrella Growing Guide La Estrella is an F1 hybrid - seeds from the harvested fruit will not grow true. For seed saving, see our open-pollinated moschata varieties. Packed and shipped from Newton, Kansas. Quick Specs Species Cucurbita moschata (F1 hybrid) Days to maturity about 125 Sowing 1 in deep, hills 5 to 6 ft apart Sun Full sun Vine habit Long vines Fruit size around 10 lb Pest resistance Highly vine borer resistant. Solid moschata stems are hard for borer larvae to tunnel into. Resistant, not immune, so still scout in June and July. Common Questions Is La Estrella really vine borer resistant? Highly vine borer resistant. Solid moschata stems are hard for borer larvae to tunnel into. Resistant, not immune, so still scout in June and July. When should I plant La Estrella in Kansas? Direct sow or transplant once soil holds 65 to 70 F, typically mid May to early June in Zone 6b. At about 125 days to maturity, this is a long-season pumpkin: a mid to late May planting ripens from late September into October, so sow as early as warm soil allows and do not plan on a June sowing making it. What is the difference between La Estrella F1 and an heirloom calabaza? La Estrella is an F1 hybrid bred for uniform fruit and an earlier harvest than traditional calabaza. Seeds saved from F1 fruit will not grow true to type, so buy fresh seed each season for the same results. Will it ripen before frost? La Estrella F1 Tropical Pumpkin needs about 125 days from sowing. In a typical Newton, Kansas Zone 6b season the first fall frost arrives between October 10 and 20, so direct sow by about May 29 to finish with a two week cushion. Planting later, or gardening in a different zone? Check your own planting window . Compare your seed choices: Browse Cucurbita moschata pumpkin and squash seeds for more varieties, and check each listing for maturity, growing space and packet options.