Blue Hubbard squash plug?

14 years ago

What the heck? My neighbor gave me this little plug of a blue hubbard squash that she got from someone... who knows. She doesn't garden and she passed it on to me. So I just googled this thing and I have a few questions.

Isn't this a winter squash? Why would I have this now in California?

Does anyone grow this and what do you do with it?

If it can't be grown in a large container I'm chucking it because I have no garden space to spare for something as big as that. Let me know.

Thanks!

Julie

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

mrs.b_in_wy
14 years ago
Hi Julie,

Yes, Blue Hubbard is a type of winter squash. It isn't so much that it grows in the winter (certainly not here!) but that it keeps through the winter (some for longer than others). I still have a Waltham butternut and three Delicatas sitting on the basement steps. Blue Hubbard matures over a fairly long season - something like 90-110 days - and like warm weather. I guess "warm" is relative. They might not like Phoenix-type warm very well. I'm trying them for the first time here, so we'll see if they can make squash in our short, cool season.

I've seen all kinds of luscious-sounding recipes that call for squash, but I'm kind of in a rut of cutting them in chunks, removing the seeds and roasting them. I use them as a side dish and for pies (like pumpkin).

If I were choosing between chucking it and trying it in a large container, I'd probably try it in the container -- and the larger the better. I'd have to be better disciplined about watering than I was last year, though :) The vines can get pretty rampant, which could be a PITA for you. Oh, yes. Depending on how far along the little seedling is, it might not appreciate having its roots disturbed very much.

Good luck!
friedabyler
14 years ago
Hello there Julie, If you can possibly find a place for your squash plant, I have to tell you that the Blue Hubbard squash is WELL WORTH growing! Many folks don't seem to know what to do with them, when to harvest, or how to cook them, therefore they are often underrated.Don't harvest until they are completely ripe; stems will be drying up, and vines will be dying back. These love to climb, but if you can find some kind of frame for them, you could grow it in a large pot or whiskey barrel. The fruits get as big as watermelons, so they will need support of some kind, and you probably will not have many, but they get huge, so even a couple would be worth it. They are my personal favorite winter squash; I usually cook and mash them, add browned butter and maple syrup, salt and pepper, and serve them at Thanksgiving and Christmas; what a treat! You shouldn't have any problem growing them where you live either; squash like a warm climate. Hope this helps!
Related Discussions
Dills Atlantic giant X blue Hubbard squash ?
Q
Comments (2)
To me, nothing can beat the flavor and sweetness of a slow-baked Blue Hubbard chunk of squash baking in a 300 - 325 degree oven for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. The slow cooking causes the sugars to carmelize and really brings out that "nutty" flavor and awesome sweetness which Blue Hubbards are renown for. One taste and it'll be a happy "eye-opener" for sure. Buttercup is sweet but Buttercup doesn't have the storage ability which the Blue Hubbard is famous for. A Blue can store for at least 6 months and many store much longer Buttercup's storage max is about 3 months because it's flesh is moist while a Blue Hubbards' is drier But that doesn't mean a Blue Hubbard tastes "dry", no siree. The cooked flesh is like the consistency of good mashed potatoes and it has no runny juice coming from it. Now, if you steam or boil it, you'll have a more watered down flavor and some runniness. So bake it for the best taste treat ever Once you do, you'll never go back to steaming or boiling them again. Place the squash chunks on lightly greased baking sheets and place the oven racks on the second (2nd) rung up from the oven's floor. If you forget to preheat the oven, just add another half hour to the baking time. To open a Blue Hubbard, place the squash into a clean trash bag and drop it onto your stone steps, patio, cement walkway/sidewalk, street, etc. It will break into 2-3 large chunks which you can then cut more easily. I place a large knife where I want to cut and then tap it gently with a small hammer, working it through the squash chunk.. No pushing, no groaning. Cutting a Blue Hubbard becomes a much easier chore when a hammer is used instead of brute strength. .
...See More
Hubbard Squash
Q
Comments (3)
Skeezex... If you want extra large Blue Hubbard go to the following link for Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. I have grown many kinds of squash including Blue Hubbards and have bought seeds from many sources. I always have had the biggest blue hubbards come from my Baker Creek seeds. You can get free catalog sent to you or order online. Shipping is very reasonable...only $3 for unlimited seeds. Here is a link that might be useful: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
...See More
Morning wilt - what's causing this? (Blue Hubbard Squash)
Q
Comments (2)
Julianna, A squash vine borer will usually leave only one hole in the stem. But it hollows the stem out. The stems, at the base of the plant should not be hollow. If you find this I'd recommend that you insert a thin knife blade, with the grain of the stem and cut through that hollow area, in order to kill the borer, if he's still in there. Then heap up some soil over the damaged area. Hopefully the vine will root and then continue growing. I often heap soil over other parts of the vine, where they are touching the ground. This is a safe guard, since they grow roots and will support the plant if a borer gets the main stem. Having said that, I'd advise that this wilt may not be due to borers. Squash bugs (gray shield shaped insects which hide under the stems and leaves and lay little red eggs on the plant) can cause a squash to wilt and even die. Also, if you are experiencing high temperatures and/or drought, a squash may wilt during the heat of the day. If this is the cause, it will usually recover during the cool of the night and early morning. Hope this helps! George Tahlequah, OK
...See More
Blue Hubbard Squash - to store or freeze?
Q
Comments (1)
If you don't have proper storage then freezing would be the best option. Detailed instructions on how to cook and freeze below. Some cooking will be required first just to get it out of the shell but how much depends on how you do it. Some bake, some boil, I prefer to microwave mine until soft enough to cut and remove the rind. You can then freeze it mashed or in chunks. Dave Here is a link that might be useful: Freezing winter squash
...See More

Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Squash

By Marianne Lipanovich

Almost foolproof and with cheerful flowers, squash comes in a wide range of varieties to plant in spring

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Join Us for a Parade of Pumpkins

By Janet Paik

Fall eye candy: Get to know 9 winter squash varieties, including Long Island Cheese and Blue Hubbard

Full Story

EXTERIOR COLOR When to Paint Your Home Yellow

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Be a cheer leader with this color that captures the sun and radiates a warm welcome

Full Story

COLOR Exterior Color of the Week: 5 Ways to Make Orange Work for You

By Jennifer Ott Design

Whether you opt for a little or a lot, bold orange will bring drama to your home

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Modern Beach House With a Custom Twist

By Vanessa Brunner

A family name inspires the interior of a colorful townhouse on Chesapeake Bay

Full Story

HOUSEKEEPING 20 Things You Might Be Forgetting to Spring-Clean

By Laura Gaskill

Clean these often-neglected areas and your house will look and feel better

Full Story

231

GARDENING GUIDES Organic Matters: Thwart Insect Pests With Trap Crops

By Therese Ciesinski

Add a few sacrificial plants to your garden to lure insects away from the harvest

Full Story

GROUND COVERS Ground Force: 10 Top Ground Covers for Your Garden

By Carol Bucknell Garden Design

Protect your soil from weeds and drought this summer with a living mulch of ground covers

Full Story

105

DECORATING GUIDES Mood Makers: Luxurious Looks on a Budget

By Kristie Barnett, The Decorologist

Want a high-end look in your home but feeling choked by your budget? Try these pro decorator tips to give your rooms a luxe look for less

Full Story

103

FEEL-GOOD HOME 9 Ways to Boost Your Home’s Appeal for Less Than $75

By Propia Limited

Whether you’re selling your home or just looking to freshen it up, check out these inexpensive ways to transform it

Full Story

144

Blue Hubbard squash plug?

Comments (2)

mrs.b_in_wy

friedabyler

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US