10 Seeds Candy Roaster Squash Heirloom Winter Squash

Candy Roaster Squash is a beloved heirloom winter squash in the Cucurbita maxima family, prized for its unusually sweet, dense, banana-like orange flesh and large, oblong fruits that can reach impressive sizes. A cherished Appalachian heirloom, it is a favorite among home gardeners and market growers who appreciate its rich flavor and long storage life, making it a standout choice for autumn and winter kitchens.

This versatile squash shines in pies, soups, roasting, and baking, where its naturally sweet, smooth flesh holds up beautifully. The vigorous vines grow in a trailing habit and produce fruits with pinkish-orange to tan-striped skin that ripens in late summer through fall. Fruits cure well and store for months when kept cool and dry, offering an extended harvest window. It also makes an attractive ornamental addition to seasonal displays.
Species: Cucurbita maxima
Variety: Candy Roaster
Type: Heirloom winter squash
Plant Habit: Vining, trailing
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, fertile loam, rich in organic matter
Days to Harvest: 100-110 days
Zones: 3-11
Germination: 7-14 days at 70-85F
Sowing: Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 2-4 weeks before
Spacing: 24-36 inches between plants, 6-10 feet between rows
Notes: Fruits store for several months when cured in a cool, dry location