{"product_id":"squash-seeds-winter-steel-blue-f1-hybrid","title":"Squash Seeds - Winter - Steel Blue F1 Hybrid","description":"\u003cp\u003e95 days to maturity. \u003cem\u003eCucurbita maxima\u003c\/em\u003e. Steel Blue F1 Hybrid Winter Squash Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, hybrid. This is suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and fields. Steel Blue F1 is a striking dark blue winter squash with slightly ribbed 10-12 pound fruits that bring bold color to autumn displays and harvest decor. Originally derived from Australian heirloom squash, this hybrid combines standout ornamental appeal with rich seasonal character for gardens, farm stands, and fall markets. Approx. 172 seeds\/oz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!--split--\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/the-vegetable-growing-guide-from-true-leaf-market\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDownload Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!--attr--\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLatin Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cem\u003eCucurbita maxima\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zone:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annual in zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to Maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 95-100\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to Germination:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7-14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeeding Depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 inch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDirect Sow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStart Indoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, 2-3 weeks before transplanting outdoors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Spacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-36 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRow Spacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72-96 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12-18 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72-120 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vining\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistant:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with steady moisture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warmer 70-85 F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGermination Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70-95 F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full Sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePests and Diseases:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watch for squash bugs, cucumber beetles, powdery mildew, and vine borers. Good spacing and airflow help reduce disease pressure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety Type Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steel blue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety Type Flavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet, dense, slightly nutty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGarden Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Fields\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!--endattr--\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Steel Blue F1 Winter Squash in the Vegetable Garden\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteel Blue F1 is best direct sown after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed in spring. Sow seeds 1 inch deep in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Space plants 24-36 inches apart with 72-96 inches between rows so the vines have room to spread and the fruit can size properly. In short-season regions, seeds can be started indoors 2-3 weeks before transplanting, but winter squash generally performs best when roots are disturbed as little as possible. Warm soil and steady moisture encourage quick germination and strong early growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLike other winter squash, this hybrid responds well to rich soil, even watering, and open spacing. Mulch once the soil is warm to help preserve moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid overhead watering late in the day when possible, since prolonged leaf wetness can increase disease problems. Pollinators are important for good fruit set, so nearby flowering plants can be helpful. Because Steel Blue F1 is grown both for ornamental appeal and eating quality, many gardeners leave the fruit on the vine until the color is fully developed and the rind has hardened well for harvest and storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHarvesting Steel Blue F1 Winter Squash\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest when the fruits have reached full steel-blue color, the rind is hard, and the stems have begun to dry and toughen. Cut fruits from the vine with a few inches of stem attached rather than pulling them free. This helps improve storage life and keeps the fruit more attractive for display. Cure harvested squash in a warm, dry place with good airflow before long-term storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Steel Blue F1 Winter Squash Garden Seeds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteel Blue F1 is grown for its unusual blue skin, which gives it excellent decorative value in fall displays and market assortments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts orange flesh and sweet, dense texture make it useful in the kitchen as well as on the porch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue-skinned winter squash types are especially appealing when displayed with orange, white, and striped varieties for seasonal contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis hybrid is a strong choice for growers who want a squash that is both attractive and practical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTips From Our Gardeners\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue squash really shines when it is allowed to finish fully on the vine, so give it room, sunlight, and steady moisture early on. For the best shelf appeal, harvest with a good stem and keep mature fruit off wet soil whenever possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 20.7517%;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" height=\"89\" width=\"89\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2016\/2681\/files\/jerry-sawyer-compressed.jpg?v=1653940293\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 75.2483%;\"\u003e \u003cem\u003e- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eSteel Blue F1 Winter Squash Seeds Per Package:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 g Packet - Approximately 20 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 170 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 oz - Bulk - Approximately 680 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 2,700 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNon-GMO Steel Blue F1 Hybrid Winter Squash seeds are available for \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trueleafmarket.com\/pages\/shipping-information\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFast Free Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e on qualifying orders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--split--\u003e\n\n","brand":"Mountain Valley Hybrid Seeds","offers":[{"title":"4g Packet","offer_id":45174898360435,"sku":"83807","price":4.69,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 oz","offer_id":45174898393203,"sku":"83808","price":17.67,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"4 oz","offer_id":45174898425971,"sku":"83809","price":49.51,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 lb","offer_id":45174898458739,"sku":"81062","price":155.84,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2016\/2681\/files\/1782920227_squash_winter_steel_blue_comp_fa99a57d-ec77-4456-a3f4-ea2cd3d89180.jpg?v=1783359976","url":"https:\/\/store.trueleafmarket.com\/products\/squash-seeds-winter-steel-blue-f1-hybrid","provider":"True Leaf Market","version":"1.0","type":"link"}