Winter Squash, Gill’s Golden Pippin (Organic)
Cucurbita pepo. 85 days.
Small, orange, acorn-type fruit are an ideal size for single-serving winter squash. This variety shuns the stereotype of acorn squash being bland. Five times more flavorful than most acorn squash, but about half the size. We often get good feedback from commercial growers about Gill’s Golden Pippin’s productivity and flavor. We are also impressed with the fruit set per plant – sometimes more than 10 fruit. With moderate fruit size this variety is ideal for those who love winter squash, but only want to cook a small amount at a time. Some larger fruit are big enough for stuffing. We found Gill’s Golden Pippin was best simply cut in half and served roasted as a side dish (though usually one person would eat two halves). Its bright color and deep lobes are very attractive and make good decorations as well. Developed in the mid 20th century by the Gill Brother’s Seed Company of Portland, Oregon.
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Sow indoors in 2-4” pots with good potting soil May through mid-June. Transplant into the garden 1-2 weeks after sprouting to 2-3’ centers and 6′ wide rows. May also be direct sown when soil is warm. Young plants are sensitive, we recommend row cover to protect from frost and insects.
Seed Saving
To save seed, scoop out seeds when you eat the fruit. Rinse off and dry. Isolate from other squash of the same species by at least ½ mile.
Pussywillow –
Where did you grow this variety? Midwestern US
The one squash the woodchuck didn’t manage to pull off of the trellis was overripe–I guess the critter was a better judge of squash ripeness than we were! The plants were slower & spottier than the other squashes to germinate & get going (we had a cooler growing season than usual this year) , but were doing well when the woodchuck found them. The fruits were beautiful–I just didn’t know what to look for to pick them.
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sawyer2 –
Where did you grow this variety? Mountain West US
we grow these in a hoop house as it frosts here in the summer. I hand pollinate the first ones, but then the bees takeover. Plants are vigorous and productive. Mid January all we haven’t eaten are keeping well, they are good just baked.
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anniushka89 (verified owner) –
Where did you grow this variety? Washington
(WA – North Olympic Peninsula) Gill’s Golden Pippin was a standout this year. From two hills direct sowed in late June, I got 25 ripe fruit averaging 11oz. The largest weighed 1.25lb. The flesh is dry and delicious.
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