Squash - Cinderella

Minimum Seed Count: 15

Looks straight out of a fairy tale! Cinderella Squash, also known as Rouge Vif d’Étampes, is famous for its deeply flattened shape, vibrant orange-red color, and resemblance to the magical carriage from the classic Cinderella story. Though rare, this historic French heirloom has been grown for centuries and remains one of the most recognizable and beautiful squash varieties in the world. Beyond its storybook appearance, Cinderella offers rich, sweet flesh that is excellent for pies, soups, roasting, and baking.

Plant Details

• Species: Cucurbita maxima
• Plant Type: Winter squash
• Days to Maturity: 95–110 days
• Fruit Weight: 15–35 pounds
• Fruit Color: Deep orange to reddish-orange
• Growth Habit: Vigorous trailing vines

Growing Guide

Starting Seeds

• Direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
• In cooler climates, seeds may be started indoors 2–3 weeks before transplanting.
• Plant seeds 1 inch deep.

Planting

• Choose a location with full sun.
• Space plants 4–6 feet apart.
• Allow 8–12 feet for vines to spread.
• Grow in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.

Growing Conditions

• Full sun (8+ hours daily)
• Fertile, well-drained soil
• Consistent moisture throughout the growing season
• Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

Care

• Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
• Encourage pollinators for maximum fruit production.
• Water deeply during flowering and fruit development.
• Avoid overhead watering when possible to reduce disease issues.

Harvesting

• Harvest when fruits develop their deep orange-red color and hard rind.
• Cut fruits from the vine, leaving several inches of stem attached.
• Cure in a warm, dry location for 10–14 days before storage.
• Store in a cool, dry place for extended keeping quality.

History

Cinderella Squash originated in France, where it has been cultivated since the 1800s under the name Rouge Vif d’Étampes, meaning "Vivid Red of Étampes." The variety gained worldwide fame because of its striking resemblance to the pumpkin depicted in illustrations of Cinderella's magical carriage. Today, it remains one of the most popular heirloom pumpkins for both decoration and culinary use.