Cucurbita maxima Golden Hubbard – Classic winter squash with a rich flavor

The Cucurbita maxima Golden Hubbard is a traditional pumpkin variety known for its large, orange-gold fruits and excellent culinary qualities. This variety is ideal for gardeners and amateur chefs looking for a reliable harvest of medium to large pumpkins with firm flesh and a delicious, sweet flavor. Golden Hubbard combines robust growth, high yields, and long storage life, making it a favorite in vegetable gardens, homesteads, and kitchens.

Thanks to its traditional characteristics, Golden Hubbard offers consistent performance and an attractive harvest of uniform, flavorful fruits.

Characteristics of the fruits

Golden Hubbard pumpkins are large to very large, often spherical to slightly flattened, and typically weigh between 4 and 8 kilograms. The skin is firm, golden yellow to orange, with a slightly ribbed texture that protects the fruit from damage and spoilage. This firm skin contributes to a long shelf life and makes the pumpkins suitable for both storage and transport.

The flesh is deep orange, dense, and creamy, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a delicate nutty undertone. The combination of firm texture and creamy flavor makes the flesh ideal for both savory and sweet dishes.

Growth and cultivation

The Cucurbita maxima Golden Hubbard grows vigorously with long vines and broad leaves that protect the fruits from sun and wind. This variety is robust and reliable, offering a consistent yield even in changing weather conditions. Suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners, Golden Hubbard thrives in fertile, well-drained soil.

Cultivation advice:

• Sowing: Sow indoors from April; plant out after the last frost.

• Outdoor sowing: Possible from the end of May at a soil temperature of at least 15°C.

• Location: Sunny, warm and sheltered from strong winds.

• Planting distance: 1.5 to 2 meters per plant for sufficient space for tendrils and fruit development.

• Soil: Humus-rich, nutritious and well-drained; compost encourages fruit set and flavour development.

• Water: Water regularly, especially during fruiting and dry periods.

The fruits ripen late in the season and are ready for harvest when the skins harden completely and the stems begin to cork. When stored properly, the pumpkins can be kept for months.

Culinary applications

The flesh of the Golden Hubbard is versatile and exceptionally flavorful. Its creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor make it ideal for a wide variety of dishes. The firmness of the flesh allows it to remain intact during cooking, roasting, or pureeing.

Popular applications:

• Creamy pumpkin soup

• Roasted pumpkin cubes from the oven

• Stews and curries

• Pumpkin puree, gnocchi or ravioli filling

• Sweet preparations such as pumpkin pie, muffins or bread

• Stuffed pumpkin with grains, vegetables or meat

Thanks to its reliable yield and storage quality, Golden Hubbard is ideal for gardeners looking to supplement their winter supplies.

Why choose Cucurbita maxima Golden Hubbard?

The Golden Hubbard combines traditional appearance, robust growth, and excellent culinary quality in one versatile variety. It's an excellent choice for gardeners and amateur chefs who want a consistent harvest and flavorful pumpkins for both cooking and storage.

Key benefits:

• Large to very large golden yellow fruits

• Deep orange, creamy and softly sweet flesh

• Traditional variety with a long shelf life

• Versatile in the kitchen – suitable for savoury and sweet dishes

• Robust and reliable growing variety

• Excellent for winter storage and self-sufficiency

With its combination of flavour, yield and robustness, the Cucurbita maxima Golden Hubbard is a valuable addition to any vegetable garden and kitchen.