Cucurbita maxima North Georgia Banana – Flavorful and robust winter squash

The Cucurbita maxima North Georgia Banana is a unique winter squash variety known for its elongated "banana" shape, firm skin, and creamy, slightly sweet flesh. This variety is ideal for gardeners, amateur chefs, and small commercial growers seeking a reliable harvest of flavorful, characterful squash. North Georgia Banana combines robust growth, high yields, and versatile culinary uses, making it a favorite in both home gardens and kitchens.

Thanks to its unique shape and reliable characteristics, North Georgia Banana provides a consistent harvest of tasty and decorative fruits.

Characteristics of the fruits

The fruits of Cucurbita maxima North Georgia Banana are large and elongated, often 40 to 60 cm long, and weigh an average of 4 to 7 kilograms. The skin is yellow to light orange, firm, and durable, making the fruits highly resistant to damage and ensuring a long shelf life. Their characteristic shape also makes these pumpkins attractive for markets or autumn decorations.

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

Growth and cultivation

The Cucurbita maxima North Georgia Banana grows vigorously with long tendrils and broad leaves that protect the fruit from sun and wind. This variety is robust and reliable, even in changing weather conditions. North Georgia Banana 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: 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 fruits can be kept for several months.

Culinary applications

The flesh of the North Georgia banana is versatile and 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 dishes such as pumpkin pie, muffins or bread

• Stuffed pumpkin with grains, vegetables or meat

Thanks to its reliable yield and unique, flavorful fruits, North Georgia Banana is an excellent choice for gardeners who want a crop that stands out both culinary and visually.

Why choose Cucurbita maxima North Georgia Banana?

The North Georgia Banana combines a unique, elongated shape, robust growth, and excellent culinary quality in one versatile variety. It's an excellent choice for gardeners and amateur chefs who want a reliable harvest of flavorful, uniform, and distinctive pumpkins.

Key benefits:

• Large, elongated yellow 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 shape, taste and robustness, the Cucurbita maxima North Georgia Banana is a valuable addition to any vegetable garden and kitchen.