Cucurbita maxima Golias – Giant, robust winter squash

Cucurbita maxima Golias is an impressive and vigorously growing winter squash, known for its large to very large fruits and excellent culinary qualities. This traditional variety is ideal for gardeners and amateur chefs seeking an impressive harvest of medium to giant pumpkins with firm, flavorful flesh. Golias combines robust growth, high yields, and long storage life, making it a favorite for vegetable gardens, subsistence gardens, and culinary uses.

Thanks to its traditional characteristics, Golias offers consistent performance and yields of uniform, tasty fruits.

Characteristics of the fruits

Golias fruits are large to very large, often spherical to slightly flattened, and can reach impressive weights of 8 to 15 kilograms or more. The skin is firm, often dark green to blue-green, and can develop a yellowish tinge as it ripens. The firm skin protects the flesh from damage, making this squash excellent for storage and transport.

The flesh is deep orange, creamy, and slightly sweet with a mild, nutty flavor. Its firm texture makes it versatile in both savory and sweet dishes.

Growth and cultivation

The Cucurbita maxima Golias grows vigorously with long, healthy tendrils and broad leaves that protect the fruits from sun and wind. This variety is robust and reliable, even in changing weather conditions. Golias is suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners and performs best in well-drained, humus-rich soil.

Cultivation advice:

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

• Outdoor sowing: Possible from the end of May at soil temperatures ≥15°C.

• Position: Full sun, warm and sheltered from strong winds.

• Planting distance: 2 to 2.5 meters per plant for sufficient space for tendrils and fruit development.

• Soil: Nutritious, humus-rich and well-drained; compost promotes 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 fruits can be kept for several months.

Culinary applications

The flesh of the Golias is versatile and flavorful. Its creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor make it ideal for a variety of dishes. Its firm texture keeps it intact when cooked, roasted, or pureed.

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 large, robust fruits and long storage life, Golias is ideal for gardeners who want to grow impressive pumpkins.

Why choose Cucurbita maxima Golias?

The Golias combines impressive size, robust growth, and excellent flavor in a single, traditional variety. It's an excellent choice for gardeners and amateur chefs who want an impressive harvest of flavorful pumpkins for both cooking and storage.

Key benefits:

• Large to very large 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

• Ideal for winter storage and an impressive harvest

With its combination of size, taste and robustness, the Cucurbita maxima Golias is a valuable addition to any vegetable garden and kitchen.