Chicago Warted Hubbard Winter Squash: Growing a Garden Classic

Chicago Warted Hubbard Winter Squash is a distinctive and productive variety that stands out in any garden. Named for the characteristic warty bumps covering its dark green skin, this heirloom squash delivers exceptional flavor and impressive storage longevity. It's a favorite among gardeners who appreciate reliable yields and outstanding culinary quality.

Planting Your Chicago Warted Hubbard

Start seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date, when soil temperatures reach 70°F or warmer. These vigorous vines require substantial space—plant them 6 to 8 feet apart to allow room for sprawling growth. Choose a location with full sun exposure and soil that drains well and is enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.

Water consistently throughout the growing season, providing 1 to 2 inches per week. Water at the base of plants to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk. A layer of mulch helps maintain soil moisture and temperature stability.

Supporting Growth and Managing Pests

Chicago Warted Hubbard plants are generally hardy and disease-resistant. However, keep an eye out for squash bugs and cucumber beetles. Hand-pick pests when possible, or use organic pest control methods. The large, heavy fruits may benefit from gentle support using soft slings or cradling as they develop.

Feed your plants every 3 to 4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Once flowering begins, switch to a formula higher in potassium to encourage robust fruit development and improve overall plant vigor.

Harvesting at Peak Ripeness

Chicago Warted Hubbard typically matures in 100 to 120 days. Harvest when the skin is deeply colored and completely hardened—it should resist puncturing with a fingernail. Cut the squash from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving 2 to 3 inches of stem attached to extend storage life.

Cure harvested squash in a warm, dry location for 10 to 14 days. This hardens the skin further and prepares it for long-term storage.

Storage and Kitchen Use

One of the greatest advantages of Chicago Warted Hubbard is its exceptional storage capacity. Properly cured squash keeps for 4 to 6 months in a cool, dry place, providing fresh produce well into winter. The dense, golden flesh is perfect for roasting, making soups, or baking into pies. Its rich, slightly sweet flavor makes it versatile in both savory and dessert applications.

• The Chicago Warted Hubbard Warted squash is popular green skinned squash with orange flesh
• Very sweet and full of flavor - perfect for pies, canning, and processing.
• Ideal for any sized garden and easy to grow.
• Days to Maturity | 110 days
  
  

Additional Details

Though considered a vegetable in cooking, botanically speaking, squash is a fruit (being the receptacle for the plant's seeds). Squash can be served fresh (in salads) and cooked (squash stuffed with meat, fried squash, baked squash).