Cucurbita maxima Shadow Moon F1 – Elegant hybrid winter squash with a special color

The Cucurbita maxima Shadow Moon F1 is a unique F1 hybrid winter squash that stands out for its dark gray to blue-gray skin and elegant, round shape. This modern variety is ideal for gardeners and professional growers seeking a decorative, culinary winter squash with a high yield, robust plants, and excellent storage properties. Shadow Moon F1 combines aesthetics, flavor, and reliability in one versatile hybrid variety.

Features and properties

Cucurbita maxima species , known for its winter hardiness, robust fruits, and culinary quality. Key characteristics of this F1 hybrid variety are:

• Round, symmetrical fruits with a smooth, dark gray to blue-gray skin

• Average weight of 4 to 6 kilograms per fruit, ideal for cooking, selling and processing

• Firm, aromatic flesh with a slightly sweet, nutty flavour and deep orange colour

• Hybrid traits ensure uniform fruits and consistent harvests

• Strong, robust plants with good resistance to diseases and changing weather conditions

Thanks to its F1 hybrid traits, Shadow Moon F1 produces reliably uniform fruits with excellent culinary and ornamental value.

Cultivation and care

Cucurbita maxima Shadow Moon F1 grows best in a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil. The plant's vigorous vines require ample space. Growing advice:

• Sow indoors or under glass in April-May to ensure a strong start

• Plant out after the Ice Saints, when soil temperatures are above 15°C

• Planting distance of 1.5 to 2 meters per plant for optimal air circulation and growing space

• Enrich the soil with compost or well-decomposed manure

• Regular watering during flowering and fruiting promotes firm, uniform fruits

Due to its robust growth and high disease resistance, the Shadow Moon F1 is suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Culinary applications

The flesh of the Shadow Moon F1 is firm, aromatic and deep orange, making it suitable for a variety of dishes:

• Creamy pumpkin soup and puree

• Roasted pumpkin slices

• Stews and casseroles

• Sweet preparations such as pumpkin pies, muffins or bread

• Can and freeze for later use

The firm texture of the flesh is retained during cooking and stewing, making it a versatile pumpkin in the kitchen.

Shelf life

A key advantage of Shadow Moon F1 is its long shelf life. When harvested at full maturity and stored in a cool, dry place, the fruits can last for several months without loss of quality. This makes the variety ideal for long-term consumption, sale, or ornamental use.

Decorative value

The unique dark gray skin and round shape make the Shadow Moon F1 particularly suitable for decoration:

• Autumn and winter decorations

• Market and sales presentations

• Creative flower or pumpkin arrangements

The combination of elegant colour, uniform shape and robust growth makes this F1 hybrid variety versatile in both kitchen and decoration.