SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Pink Banana

Pumpkin
Zone 1b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Pink Banana to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Pink Banana
110d to harvest

Sweetly fragrant flesh meets a softly blushing exterior in Pink Banana, a pie pumpkin prized for its tender, velvety texture and gently sweet, warm flavor. At maturity, the fruit’s elongated “banana” form is wrapped in a delicate pink skin that deepens to a rosy glow, while the interior turns rich and smooth for luscious baked favorites and comforting purées. Grow it for a standout harvest—one that looks as special as it tastes, with dependable pie-pumpkin performance from a home garden plot.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 65°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For best size and sweetness in a “jumbo” squash, water deeply but avoid wet foliage, and keep the vines well-trained with adequate spacing.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 1b has only 61 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 110-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
MilestoneDate
Last FrostJun 1st
Growing ApproachProtected Environment Only

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity110
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitVine
Support NeededTrellis
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)65
Min Night Temp (°F)55
Harden Off (days)12

Today's Conditions

Wait until soil reaches at least 65°F before transplanting Pink Banana.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1b has only 61 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 110-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Recommended Companions

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Taishan Yellow Marigold
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Durango Red Marigold
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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Cucurbita maxima (Pink Banana squash), and what should I do if I see it?
Cucurbita maxima commonly suffers from powdery mildew—look for a white, powdery coating on leaves in warm, humid spells. Remove heavily affected leaves early, improve airflow by thinning vines if they’re crowded, and spray with a labeled sulfur or potassium bicarbonate product to slow spread. If you see rapidly expanding leaf yellowing plus wilting, suspect vine borers; check the stem near the base for holes and frass, then use a targeted, label-approved control and re-mound soil around the crown to help it recover.
How often should I water Cucurbita maxima during the main growing phase?
During active vine and fruit growth, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Water deeply at the base in the morning so the top few inches dry slightly between waterings, which reduces mildew pressure. Once fruits are set and sizing, maintain steady moisture to prevent uneven growth or cracking.
How can I tell when Pink Banana (Cucurbita maxima) is ready to harvest?
Harvest at full maturity around 110 days: the rind should be hard and the stem should start to dry and turn corky. The fruit color typically becomes deeper and more uniform, and when you press the rind with a fingernail it should resist denting. For best storage, cut the fruit with 2–3 inches of stem attached and cure in warm, dry conditions before storing.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 65°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For best size and sweetness in a “jumbo” squash, water deeply but avoid wet foliage, and keep the vines well-trained with adequate spacing.

Botanical illustration of Pink Banana

Sweetly fragrant flesh meets a softly blushing exterior in Pink Banana, a pie pumpkin prized for its tender, velvety texture and gently sweet, warm flavor. At maturity, the fruit’s elongated “banana” form is wrapped in a delicate pink skin that deepens to a rosy glow, while the interior turns rich and smooth for luscious baked favorites and comforting purées. Grow it for a standout harvest—one that looks as special as it tastes, with dependable pie-pumpkin performance from a home garden plot.