Heirloom

Lakota Winter Squash

Cucurbita maxima 'Lakota'

A stunning heirloom winter squash with distinctive orange and green teardrop-shaped fruits that were traditionally grown by the Lakota Sioux tribe. The beautiful pear-shaped squash features sweet, fine-textured orange flesh that rivals butternut in flavor and cooking quality. These eye-catching squash store exceptionally well and make gorgeous autumn decorations before being transformed into delicious meals.

Harvest

100-110d

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 Lakota Winter Squash in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 squash →

Zone Map

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Lakota Winter Squash · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing6-8 feet between plants

SoilRich, well-drained soil with good organic content

pH6.0-6.8

Water1 inch per week, reduce watering as fruits mature

SeasonWarm season

FlavorSweet, nutty, and rich with smooth, creamy texture when cooked

ColorOrange base with dark green striping and mottling

Size3-5 pounds, 8-10 inches long

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	September – 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

Cure freshly harvested Lakota squash in a warm, dry location (80-85°F) for 10-14 days to harden the skin and heal minor cuts. After curing, store in a cool, dry place (50-55°F) with good air circulation—basements, garages, or unheated rooms work well.

Properly cured squash stores 8-12 months when kept at consistent temperatures. Check monthly and remove any showing soft spots. Once cut, refrigerate pieces up to one week wrapped in plastic.

For long-term preservation, roast and puree the flesh, then freeze in measured portions for up to 18 months. The sweet flesh also dehydrates well—slice into rings and dry at 135°F until leathery. Traditional preservation includes cutting into strips and braiding for winter storage, a method used by Plains tribes for centuries.

History & Origin

Origin: Central and South America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Corn

Provides natural trellis for squash vines and part of the Three Sisters planting method

Beans

Fixes nitrogen in soil that feeds heavy-feeding squash, completes Three Sisters guild

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles while repelling aphids

Marigolds

Deters cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with natural compounds

Radishes

Repels cucumber beetles and squash vine borers, breaks up soil for squash roots

Catnip

Strong repellent for cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and flea beetles

Oregano

Repels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Dill

Attracts beneficial predatory wasps that control squash vine borer moths

Keep Apart

Potatoes

Compete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders that deplete soil

Fennel

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit squash growth and development

Brassicas

Heavy nitrogen feeders that compete with squash and may stunt growth

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

Moderate resistance to common squash diseases, good field holding ability

Common Pests

Squash bug, cucumber beetle, squash vine borer

Diseases

Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Lakota winter squash take to grow?▼

Lakota winter squash requires 100-110 days from seed to harvest. In most regions, this means planting in late May or early June for an October harvest. Start counting days from when seedlings emerge, not from planting date. Northern gardeners may need to start seeds indoors to ensure sufficient growing time before fall frosts.

Can you grow Lakota squash in containers?▼

Lakota winter squash is not suitable for container growing due to its extensive 10-12 foot vine spread and large root system. Even extra-large containers cannot provide adequate space. Consider compact winter squash varieties like 'Table Queen' acorn squash or 'Burgess Buttercup' for container growing instead.

What does Lakota winter squash taste like?▼

Lakota winter squash has a sweet, nutty flavor similar to butternut squash with a smooth, creamy texture when cooked. The flesh is fine-grained and not stringy, making it excellent for soups, pies, and purees. The sweetness intensifies during storage, with squash stored 2-3 months having richer flavor than freshly harvested fruits.

Is Lakota winter squash good for beginners?▼

Lakota winter squash has moderate difficulty due to its space requirements, long growing season, and specific curing needs. Beginners with adequate garden space and full-season growing areas can succeed with attention to proper planting timing and harvest techniques. Start with easier varieties like acorn or delicata if you're new to winter squash.

When should I plant Lakota winter squash seeds?▼

Plant Lakota winter squash when soil temperature reaches 65°F, typically 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. For most regions, this means late May to early June. Northern gardeners (zones 3-5) should start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost to ensure sufficient growing time for the 100-110 day maturity period.

How do you cure Lakota winter squash for storage?▼

Cure Lakota winter squash in a warm, dry location at 80-85°F for 10-14 days after harvest. This hardens the skin and heals minor cuts. Provide good air circulation and turn squash occasionally. After curing, store at 50-55°F in a dry location. Properly cured squash stores 8-12 months with excellent eating quality.