Chicago Warted Hubbard

Winter Squash

Zone 5b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Chicago Warted Hubbard

🌱 95d to harvest Vine

Sink your spoon into Chicago Warted Hubbard’s rich, deep-orange flesh—silky-smooth with a subtly sweet, nutty perfume that linger…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 4th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 1st
Harvest Begins	Sep 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 5th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	95
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	85
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Durango Red Marigold

Chameleon Nasturtium

Howling Mob Corn

Whirlybird Cream Nasturtium

Autumn Beauty Corn

Jewel Mix Nasturtium

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Cucurbita maxima (Chicago Warted Hubbard), and what should I do?

Watch for powdery mildew and squash vine borers. Powdery mildew often shows as a white-gray dusting on leaves in mid-to-late season—improve airflow, remove heavily infected leaves early, and avoid wetting foliage when you water. For vine borers, check the stems near the soil line for frass and boreholes; if found, slit the stem carefully, remove the borers, and re-mound soil around the base to encourage new rooting.

How often should I water Cucurbita maxima during the main growing phase?

During flowering and fruit set, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—about 1 to 2 inches of water per week total, increasing during hot spells. Water deeply at the base in the morning so the root zone gets moisture while the leaves stay dry, and allow the top few inches of soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent rot.

How can I tell when Chicago Warted Hubbard squash is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the rind is fully tough and the skin is hard enough that you can’t easily puncture it with your fingernail. The fruit should have turned from deep green to the mature color of the variety, the vines start to decline, and you should see the typical 95-day maturity window as your guide; cure the squash in a warm, dry place for about a week to improve storage.

Sink your spoon into Chicago Warted Hubbard’s rich, deep-orange flesh—silky-smooth with a subtly sweet, nutty perfume that lingers like warm autumn air. The fruit forms a dramatic, heavily warted shell in a deep, mottled green that turns beautifully at maturity, with a dense, spoonable texture prized for hearty winter fare. Grow it for bold, statement squash that stores exceptionally well, turning your pantry into a season-long centerpiece for savory roasts, creamy purées, and robust sauces.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 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

For Hubbard-type winter squash, start seeds only if your season is short—otherwise direct-sow after soil warms, and protect seedlings from cool nights early on.