Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF

Growing Hubbard Essex Red in the Vegetable Garden

Sow Hubbard Essex Red seeds 1 inch deep in warm soil after the last frost. Direct sowing is recommended, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Plant 2-3 seeds per mound, then thin to 1 plant. Space plants 8-12 feet apart with rows 8-12 feet apart to allow vines to spread freely.

Mulch to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Fertilize after the first blooms and again at the time of fruiting. Monitor for pests and provide trellising or vine training if needed.

Harvesting Hubbard Essex Red

Harvest when rinds are hard and stems solid, generally around 110 days from sowing. Cut fruit with 4 inches of stem attached. Cure in a warm, dry area for 10-14 days to extend storage life. Hubbard Essex Red stores well and improves in sweetness after curing.

About Hubbard Essex Red Winter Squash Garden Seeds

An heirloom variety prized for its deep orange-red fruit and sweet, dry flesh.

Excellent for baking, roasting, and long-term storage through the winter months.

Easy to grow with proper spacing and full sun exposure.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Hubbard Essex Red winter squash is a classic heirloom that never fails to impress both in the garden and on the table. Its vines are long and vigorous, so be sure to give them plenty of room to sprawl. They’ll happily stretch across several feet, creating a beautiful, leafy tapestry in your garden. The fruits themselves are dramatic: deep reddish-orange skin with subtle ridges, and dense, sweet, golden-orange flesh that becomes even richer after curing. I always recommend harvesting just before the first hard frost, then letting the squash cure in a warm, dry place for one to two weeks to maximize flavor and shelf life. Once cured, Essex Red stores exceptionally well in a cool, dry spot, rewarding your patience with months of delicious winter squash. In my experience, this variety shines in soups, roasted dishes, and pies. The flavor is nutty, smooth, and slightly earthy, the kind of taste that makes you savor every bite. Essex Red is also a joy to grow due to its reliable vigor and impressive yields, making it a favorite among gardeners who seek both beauty and productivity. There’s a certain satisfaction in watching these long vines produce large, bold fruits, then bringing them into the kitchen where they transform into comforting, flavorful meals all winter long. For those who appreciate a squash with character, storage longevity, and exceptional taste, Hubbard Essex Red is a must-grow."

- S.W. Smith, True Leaf Market Writer

Hubbard Essex Red Winter Squash Seeds Per Package:

• 4 g Packet - Wholesale - Approximately 20 Seeds
• 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 175 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 700 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 2,800 Seeds
• 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 14,000 Seeds
• 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 70,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Hubbard Essex Red Winter Squash seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.