Cucurbita moschata. 90 - 100 days. Open-pollinated.
Long Island Cheese is an heirloom winter squash variety with a rich American history, where it's found mentioned in texts as early as 1806. It's fondly remembered as a fantastic pie squash by people along the eastern seaboard, and its name originates from its unique shape which resembles a wheel of cheese.
Vigorous vines produce semi-flattened, ribbed, tan to buff-colored fruits that grow to an average weight between 6 and 12 pounds. Flesh is orange, dense, and fine-grained, and when cooked is tender and creamy with a mid, sweet, and earthy flavor—perfect for baking, roasting, sauteing, and frying!
Don't miss out on this one! It's availability is limited today due to the introduction of modern squash varieties, and it has long been in danger of disappearing due to lack of planting.
Long Island Cheese Pumpkin
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 12 Light Requirement: Full sun Soil Type: Loose, loamy, well drained Sow Depth: 1 inch Plant Spacing: 8 to 10 feet apart in rows 10 to 12 feet apart Germination Temp: 70°F to 85°F Germination Time: 5 to 10 days Maturation: 90 to 100 days Growing Tips
If starting indoors, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in small, individual peat post, 2 seeds per pot. Thin to the strongest plant once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves. Transplant outdoors once soil temperatures are 60°F or higher by planting the seedlings in a location with full sun and rich soil. Space plants 8 to 10 feet apart in rows 10 to 12 feet apart.