Cucurbita maxima Miss Sophie Pink – Decorative and tasty winter squash

The Cucurbita maxima Miss Sophie Pink is a unique and striking squash variety known for its distinctive pinkish-orange skin and creamy, slightly sweet flesh. This winter squash variety is ideal for gardeners, amateur chefs, and small commercial growers who want a harvest that is both culinary and visually appealing. Miss Sophie Pink combines robust growth, reliable yields, and versatile culinary uses, making it a favorite in both home gardens and kitchens.

Thanks to its striking colour and reliable characteristics, Miss Sophie Pink provides a consistent harvest of tasty and decorative fruits.

Characteristics of the fruits

The fruits of Cucurbita maxima Miss Sophie Pink are medium to large, often round or slightly flattened, and weigh an average of 3 to 6 kilograms. The skin is pinkish-orange, smooth, and firm, which protects it from damage and spoilage. Its striking color makes this pumpkin not only a culinary choice but also a decorative eye-catcher for autumn displays or markets.

The flesh is deep orange, creamy, and slightly sweet, with a fine texture suitable for a wide variety of dishes. Its firm texture keeps the flesh intact during cooking, roasting, or pureeing, making it ideal for both savory and sweet dishes.

Growth and cultivation

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

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 ≥15°C.

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

• Planting distance: 1.5 to 2 meters per plant to allow 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 pumpkins can be kept for several months.

Culinary applications

The flesh of Miss Sophie Pink is versatile and exceptionally flavorful. Its creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor make it ideal for a variety of dishes. Its firm texture keeps the flesh 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 reliable yield and showy, flavorful fruits, Miss Sophie Pink is an excellent choice for gardeners who want a harvest that is both culinary and visually striking.

Why choose Cucurbita maxima Miss Sophie Pink?

Miss Sophie Pink combines decorative appeal, robust growth, and excellent culinary qualities in one versatile variety. It's an excellent choice for gardeners and amateur chefs who want a reliable harvest of flavorful, decorative pumpkins.

Key benefits:

• Medium to large pink-orange fruits

• Deep orange, creamy and slightly sweet flesh

• Decorative and culinary versatile

• Robust and reliable growing variety

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

• Good storage quality for several months of storage

With its combination of colour, flavour and robustness, the Cucurbita maxima Miss Sophie Pink is a valuable addition to any vegetable garden and kitchen.