Guatemalan Blue Banana Squash
Cucurbita maxima
kyoo-KUHR-bee-tah MAX-eh-muh
Edibles: Fruiting Vegetable
Min. Temp
Very Tender: 38°
Belongs to the Banana group of squashes, noted for their fine table quality. This selection is dark “blue” with light stripes; golden-yellow flesh is thick and firm. Fruits range up to 20 inches in length and average 5 pounds. We like to keep this one in the refrigerator after the initial cutting and continue to slice off small rings that can be either baked or roasted.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Green
Fall Foliage
Green
Flower Color
Yellow
Blooming Time
Mid Summer - Fall
Habit
Vining
Height
24–30 in
Spread
60–96 in
Form
Winter Squash
Characteristics
Type
Open-Pollinated
Safety
Edible Parts
Growth Rate
Fast
Tolerance/Resistance
Heat Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
Attracts
Attracts Honeybees & Pollinators
Uses/Placement
Culinary
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun: 8-12 hrs
Soil Texture
Sandy
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil Moisture
Moist
Soil PH
Slightly Acidic: 6.0-6.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly acidic soil
PH Correction
High pH can reduce nutrient uptake
Soil Amendment(s)
Compost
Fertilizer
Heavy Feeder
Fertilizer Formula
Rooting & Blooming
Fertilizer Timing
Pre-Fruiting
Micronutrients
Magnesium (Mg)
Care
Care Level
Moderate
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Monoecious--pollination required
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Do Not Divide
Fruit and Pollination
Days to Harvest
105 Days
Fruit Size
Large
Fruit Characteristics
Sweet
Ploidy
Diploid