DescriptionFairytale Pumpkin Seeds Musque de ProvenceDAYS TO HARVEST 120SOWINGIf transplanting, sow 2-3 weeks before the last frost date about 5 inches apart in a tray or in individual 4-inch pots, two seeds per hole and select the stronger seedling to transplant. If direct seeding, wait until all danger of frost is past, and the soil has warmed (about the last week of May for us). Sow 2-4 seeds per hole, about 4 feet apart. Squash likes rich soil. As the seeds are germinating, keep them very warm (75F-80F) and avoid over watering! Cool soil or too much water can cause the seeds to rot rather than sprout! Once they have germinated, they will be thirsty and like plenty of water (but without getting waterlogged.) transplant then they have their first true leaves. Cover immediately (after direct seeding or transplanting and watering in) with row cover for extra warmth and to prevent insect damage. Uncover as soon as flower buds appear to allow pollination.LIGHT PREFERENCE full sunSOIL REQUIREMENTSFairy Tale Pumpkin likes very rich, moist but well-draining soil. Sandy and stony soil seem to be good (stones actually help to raise soils temperature!) as long as you put in plenty of compost and make sure to water them regularly, especially as they start blooming and setting fruit.PLANT HEIGHT N/APLANT SPACING4 ft in the row, rows 3 ft apart.HARDINESS ZONESNot cold hardy.HARVESTHarvest before the frost, or when the plants have completely died back, whichever is first. Allow to cure on a warm, sunny porch or in dry a greenhouse for several weeks before storing for best storage length.USES & COOKING SUGGESTIONSMusque de Provence are traditionally eaten raw, but are also wonderful baked, steamed, etc.Try this:Very thinly slice sections of the flesh (a good peeler can help with this)roll fresh chopped fig in chevre cheese, so that the cheese is outside and the fig is inside.make the cheese and fig into small logs about 1/2 an inch in diameter and 1 1/2 inches longwrap the fresh squash, cut into 1 1/2 inch strips, around the cheese. Secure with a toothpick if you wish, but it looks nicest without.garnish the plate with sprigs of thyme and/or rosemarydrizzle with Extra Virgin Olive oil if you wish
