{"product_id":"guatemalan-blue-squash","title":"Guatemala Blue Pumpkin Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Guatemala Blue squash is a superb heirloom variety prized for its banana-like shape, distinctive pale blue-green skin, and rich, sweet, deep orange flesh. Renowned for its exceptional taste, it can even be eaten raw, but is equally delicious baked, roasted, or pureed. Highly productive, it produces large fruits that store extremely well throughout the winter. Its long, vigorous vines require a lot of space, making it ideal for large gardens or extensive growing areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere can you grow Guatemala Blue squash?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGuatemala Blue squash grows best in zones 3 to 9, in warm, sunny locations with fertile, well-drained soil. Allow plenty of space for the vines to spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and historical uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNative to Guatemala, this heirloom variety has long been cultivated for its exceptional storage capabilities, remarkable appearance, and great culinary versatility. Traditionally appreciated in Central American cuisine, it remains popular today for its sweetness and adaptability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZones 8–9: Direct sow after last frost; long season conducive to good yields.\u003cbr\u003eZones 5–7: Start indoors 4 weeks before last frost, then transplant after soil warms.\u003cbr\u003eZones 3–4: Start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting; use of black plastic mulch recommended to warm soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1922\" data-start=\"1573\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to grow and harvest Guatemala Blue squash\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 2.5 cm (1 in) deep, spacing plants 1.2 to 1.8 m (4 to 6 ft) apart.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil consistently moist, especially during fruit development.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply compost or a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest fruits when skin is hard, well-colored, and stems are dry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store in a cool, dry place; fruits can be stored for several months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed saving tips for future supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow the healthiest and best-formed fruits to fully ripen on the plant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed harvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove seeds, wash them thoroughly, and dry them completely on screens or towels.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying and storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure seeds are completely dry, then store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds remain viable for up to 5 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIslands Organic Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644642681200,"sku":"MF-SQUASH-002","price":6.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/Guatemalan_Blue_Squash.jpg?v=1776549105","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en-au\/products\/guatemalan-blue-squash","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}