Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus | Cucurbita |
Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes gourds, pumpkins, and squashes. It is a variety of the species Cucurbita pepo, which is native to North America.
Appearance
Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight is a large, round, and ribbed squash that can weigh up to 100 pounds. Its skin is smooth and ranges in color from pale yellow to deep orange. The flesh is yellow-orange and has a sweet, nutty flavor. The seeds are flat and dark brown.
When grown on a vine, the leaves of Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight are large and lobed, with prickly stems. The flowers are yellow and trumpet-shaped.
Care Guide
Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight is a warm-season crop that requires full sun and well-drained soil. It prefers soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. When planting, add organic matter to the soil and space the seeds or seedlings 6-8 feet apart.
Water the plants deeply once a week, or more frequently during periods of drought. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight is hardy in USDA Zones 3-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:
- Squash vine borer
- Cucumber beetle
- Downy mildew
- Powdery mildew
- Anthracnose
To prevent these problems, use row covers to protect the plants from pests, rotate crops to avoid soil-borne diseases, and practice good sanitation by removing infected plant material.
Habitat
Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight is typically grown in home gardens and on small farms. It thrives in warm climates with long growing seasons.
Question and Answer
Q: How many pounds can Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight grow?
A: Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight can grow up to 100 pounds.
Q: What is the flavor of Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight?
A: Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight has a sweet, nutty flavor.
Q: What are some common pests of Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight?
A: Squash vine borer and cucumber beetle are common pests of Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight.
Q: In what USDA zones is Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight hardy?
A: Cucurbita Pepo Hundredweight is hardy in USDA Zones 3-11.
Related Plants
- Cucurbita maxima (Hubbard squash)
- Cucurbita moschata (Butternut squash)
- Cucurbita argyrosperma (Silver-seed gourd)
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/growing-hundredweight-squash.htm
- https://www.almanac.com/plant/squash-and-zucchini
- https://www.rareseeds.com/hundredweight-squash
