{"product_id":"lower-salmon-river-squash","title":"Salmon River Squash Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eLower Salmon River squash is a robust and reliable winter squash variety, perfectly suited to the growing conditions of the Pacific Northwest. It produces 3 to 6 lb fruits with thick, protective skin, allowing it to store exceptionally well—providing a long-lasting harvest into winter. The dark orange flesh is sweet, dense, and versatile, excellent steamed, roasted, or even eaten raw in salads and grated crudités. Its hardiness and flavor make it a favorite among gardeners seeking good performance in cool climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere can Lower Salmon River squash be grown?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis variety grows well in zones 3 to 9, in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It needs plenty of space to spread or can be grown vertically with strong support. It is ideal for gardens with warm summers and mild autumns that allow for ripening and storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and traditional uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginating in Idaho, Lower Salmon River squash was selected for reliable production in short-season northern climates. Its storage capacity and nutritional density made it an important winter food, providing a reliable source of sustenance during the cold season. Today, it remains highly valued by small-scale producers and home gardeners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZone Information for Canada\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZones 8–9: Direct sow outdoors in late May; harvest from September to October.\u003cbr\u003eZones 5–7: Start indoors in April, then transplant after the last frost; harvest before hard frosts.\u003cbr\u003eZones 3–4: Start indoors in early spring; use protection (row cover or greenhouse) to optimize production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2018\" data-start=\"1693\"\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 Lower Salmon River squash\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep, spacing them 90 to 120 cm (3 to 4 ft) apart.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain consistent moisture, especially during fruit development.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick fruits when the skin is hard and the stems begin to dry; then cure them in a warm, dry place.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use rich soil with compost or organic matter; avoid overwatering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed saving tips for future supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoose the best fruits:\u003c\/strong\u003e Select healthy, well-ripened squash, then let them cure for 4 to 6 weeks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove seeds from mature fruits, rinse to remove pulp, and spread them out to dry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying and storing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure seeds are completely dry; store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e When stored properly, seeds remain viable for 4 to 6 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644643795312,"sku":"MF-SQUASH-005","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/Lower-Salmon-River-Squash_0e926b9e-3483-42d9-9009-7b41f296db9e.jpg?v=1776549338","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en-us\/products\/lower-salmon-river-squash","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}