Lakota

Winter Squash

Zone 2b Save Garden

🌱 100d to harvest Vine

Sink your spoon into Lakota’s richly sweet, deep-orange flesh—silky and velvety in texture, with a warm, nutty perfume that linge…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 29th
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 12th
Harvest Begins	Sep 20th
Harvest Ends	Aug 25th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	100
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	12

Recommended Companions

Autumn Beauty Corn

Ladybird Nasturtium Nasturtium

Whiteout Corn

Hawaiian Rainbow Corn

Golden Bantam Corn

Chameleon Nasturtium

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Cucurbita maxima (Lakota squash), and how can I control it at home?

Cucurbita maxima is commonly hit by squash vine borer, which causes wilting and sudden vine collapse near the base. Look for frass at the crown, then split the damaged stem and remove larvae, covering the area with fresh soil to encourage new roots. Use row cover on young plants and apply a Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) product labeled for caterpillars before the borer’s peak if available in your area.

How often should I water Cucurbita maxima during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During flowering and fruit set, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week depending on rainfall and heat. Water deeply at the base, then let the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil dry slightly before watering again to reduce root stress and fruit rots.

How do I know when Lakota (Cucurbita maxima) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the rind is fully tough and hard enough that you can’t easily dent it with a fingernail, and when the stem begins to dry and turn corky. The fruit color should look uniformly mature (often duller and more filled out than early growth), typically around 100 days after sowing. Cut the squash with 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) of stem attached and cure it in a warm, dry spot afterward if you plan to store it.

Sink your spoon into Lakota’s richly sweet, deep-orange flesh—silky and velvety in texture, with a warm, nutty perfume that lingers long after the first bite. This 100-day winter squash forms substantial, well-ribbed fruits with a sturdy, long-keeping skin, making it a dependable centerpiece for cool-season harvests. Lakota shines in roasted wedges, hearty purées, and spoonable sauces, and its dense flesh also lends itself beautifully to comforting pies and savory bakes.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 12 days first.

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

Because cucurbits are root-sensitive, start Lakota squash only 1–2 weeks before transplanting (or direct-sow) and transplant after soil warms to prevent stunting.