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Cucurbita maxima Boston Marrow

Cucurbita maxima Boston Marrow

A variety dating back to 1831. It may be descended from an old Native American variety, though not documented. The fruits weigh approximately 4–7 kg.

Unit

seed
Graduated prices
From 50 seeds for 0,130 per seed
From 100 seeds for 0,110 per seed
From 250 seeds for 0,096 per seed
From 500 seeds for 0,092 per seed
From 1000 seeds for 0,077 per seed
Total amount (seed)
Total incl. VAT: 7,87Total (excl. VAT): 6,50

Description

Cucurbita maxima Boston Marrow – Classic heirloom squash with exceptional flavor and yield

The Cucurbita maxima Boston Marrow is a beloved heirloom variety cultivated since the 19th century. This historic squash is known for its enormous yield, impressive size, and unique flavor profile. The Boston Marrow is a winter squash and is especially popular among home gardeners and artisan growers seeking authentic varieties with a rich history. Thanks to its tender, sweet flesh and reliable growth, this variety is ideal for both culinary and ornamental uses.

Origin and history

The Boston Marrow squash has been mentioned in traditional seed catalogs for over 150 years and was one of the most widely grown winter squashes in the United States in the 19th century. Originally introduced by indigenous peoples of North America, it quickly became popular with settlers and later with commercial farmers. It was known as a versatile culinary favorite and was an important part of winter supplies thanks to its excellent storage qualities.

Appearance and growth characteristics

What makes the Cucurbita maxima Boston Marrow instantly recognizable is its characteristic shape: elongated to pear-shaped, with a slightly ribbed texture. The skin ranges from deep orange to reddish orange, sometimes with subtle color variations depending on growing conditions. The fruits grow large—averaging between 4 and 10 kilograms, but peaks of over 15 kilograms are not uncommon.

The plants themselves are vigorous and vining. They form long, strongly branching tendrils that take up a lot of space, which is important to consider when planning your garden. Thanks to this vigorous growth, Boston Marrow is exceptionally productive, and a single plant produces multiple, heavy fruits.

Cultivation and care

This old, robust variety is surprisingly easy to grow. Seeds can be sown indoors starting in April. After the Ice Saints, the young plants can be planted outdoors in a sunny, sheltered spot. Because Cucurbita maxima Boston Marrow requires a lot of energy, it thrives best in nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure.

Important cultivation advice:

  • Space: allow at least 1.5 to 2 meters of space per plant.

  • Water: provide regularly, especially during fruiting.

  • Feeding: Work in organic fertilizers to support growth.

  • Pollination: pollinating insects are essential for good fruit set.

Pumpkins are harvested when the rind is hard and the stem begins to lignify. When stored properly in a cool, dry place, the fruits will keep for months.

Culinary applications

The Boston Marrow is known for its tender texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is deep orange, firm but not fibrous, and retains its texture well during cooking. This makes the variety popular in both traditional and modern recipes.

Common applications:

  • Pumpkin soup with a creamy texture

  • Classic pumpkin pie

  • Casseroles and stews

  • Puree, gnocchi or ravioli filling

  • Jam, chutney or pumpkin butter

  • Roasted pumpkin cubes

The large fruits are ideal for processing in larger quantities, for example when preserving.

Why choose Cucurbita maxima Boston Marrow?

For gardeners looking for a traditional, reliable, and flavorful variety, Boston Marrow offers everything you need. It's:

  • An heirloom breed with history

  • Highly productive, ideal for winter supplies

  • Tasty and tender, perfect for countless recipes

  • Suitable for storage, so you can enjoy the harvest for a long time

  • Perfect for lovers of authentic, traditional pumpkins

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Height

Creeping plant that spreads outwards rather than growing upwards.

Article number

WKBM364

Number of seeds per gram

About 4

Tips for sowing

Dark germinator. Optimal germination temperature: 20-30°C, preferably around 25°C.

Delivered as

Normal seed.

*The information on this website is provided solely for guidance and to assist in selecting and growing the products. Easyseed accepts no liability for the final results.