Heirloom

Blue Hubbard Squash

Cucurbita maxima 'Blue Hubbard'

A massive heirloom winter squash that can weigh 20-40 pounds and store for months in cool conditions. Blue Hubbard produces sweet, fine-textured orange flesh perfect for pies, soups, and roasting, wrapped in a distinctive blue-gray bumpy shell. This impressive variety is a favorite among gardeners who want to grow something truly spectacular while providing months of nutritious winter meals.

Harvest

100-120d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

koo-KER-bih-ta MAKS-ih-muh

☀️

Zones

3–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Difficulty

Moderate

🌱

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Blue Hubbard Squash in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 squash →

Zone Map

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Blue Hubbard Squash · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing8-10 feet

SoilRich, well-drained soil with high organic matter content

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-2 inches per week, reduce watering as fruits mature

SeasonWarm season

FlavorSweet, fine-textured, rich and creamy when cooked

ColorBlue-gray exterior with bright orange flesh

Size20-40 pounds

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	June – July	October – October
Zone 4	—	—	June – July	October – October
Zone 5	—	—	May – June	October – October
Zone 6	—	—	May – June	September – November
Zone 7	—	—	April – June	September – October
Zone 8	—	—	April – May	August – October
Zone 9	—	—	March – April	July – September
Zone 10	—	—	February – April	July – August

Complete Growing Guide

Light: koo-KER-bih-ta MAKS-ih-muh. Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Soft or hard-shelled berries called pepos come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes and are harvested in the fall. The stems of the fruits generally have a soft corky texture compared to other species.

Color: Blue, Cream/Tan, Gold/Yellow, Gray/Silver, Orange, Pink, Red/Burgundy, Variegated, White. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible, Long-lasting, Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Summer

Storage & Preservation

Properly cured Blue Hubbard squash will store 5-6 months in cool (50-55°F), dry conditions with good air circulation. Never refrigerate whole squash—store in a basement, garage, or unheated room. Check monthly and use any showing soft spots immediately. Once cut, wrap pieces in plastic and refrigerate for up to one week. For long-term preservation, peel and cube the flesh, then freeze on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags—frozen squash keeps 10-12 months. You can also pressure can cubed squash (no pureeing due to safety concerns) or dehydrate thin slices for winter snacks and soup additions.

History & Origin

Origin: Central and South America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Nasturtiums

Trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids

Marigolds

Repel cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes

Radishes

Deter squash vine borers and cucumber beetles when planted around squash hills

Corn

Provides vertical structure and shade, part of traditional Three Sisters planting

Beans

Fix nitrogen in soil, complete the Three Sisters guild with corn and squash

Catnip

Strong repellent for squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other squash pests

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control squash pests

Sunflowers

Attract pollinators and beneficial insects, provide wind protection

Keep Apart

Potatoes

Compete for space and nutrients, may inhibit squash growth

Aromatic herbs (strong)

Plants like sage and rosemary can inhibit squash growth through allelopathy

Brassicas

Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients, may stunt squash development

Nutrition Facts

Calories

26kcal(1%)

Protein

0.52g(1%)

Carbs

5.64g(2%)

Fat

0.2g(0%)

Vitamin C

4.5mg(5%)

Iron

0.17mg(1%)

Calcium

9mg(1%)

Potassium

205mg(4%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168040)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good general disease resistance typical of Hubbard types

Common Pests

Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers

Diseases

Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Blue Hubbard squash take to grow?▼

Blue Hubbard squash requires 100-120 days from planting to harvest, making it one of the longer-season winter squash varieties. In northern climates, start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before last frost to ensure sufficient growing time before fall frosts arrive.

Can you grow Blue Hubbard squash in containers?▼

Blue Hubbard squash is not suitable for container growing due to its massive vines that spread 15+ feet and heavy fruits weighing 20-40 pounds. The root system also requires deep, rich soil that containers cannot provide. Choose compact bush varieties for container gardening instead.

Is Blue Hubbard squash good for beginners?▼

Blue Hubbard has moderate difficulty and can work for beginners with adequate garden space and patience. The main challenges are providing enough room for sprawling vines, protecting young plants from pests, and the long growing season. Success depends more on space and climate than advanced skills.

What does Blue Hubbard squash taste like?▼

Blue Hubbard squash has sweet, fine-textured orange flesh with a rich, creamy consistency when cooked. The flavor is similar to butternut squash but slightly nuttier and less watery, making it excellent for pies, soups, and roasting. The texture is smooth and dense, not stringy.

When should I plant Blue Hubbard squash?▼

Plant Blue Hubbard squash after soil temperature reaches 65°F and all danger of frost has passed, typically late May to early June in most areas. In zones 3-6, start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before last frost date to ensure the long 100-120 day growing season.

How do you store Blue Hubbard squash over winter?▼

Store whole Blue Hubbard squash in cool (50-55°F), dry conditions with good air circulation for 5-6 months. Avoid refrigeration and damp areas. Cure in the sun for several hours after harvest to harden the skin, then store in basements, garages, or unheated rooms.