{"product_id":"squash-thelma-sanders","title":"Squash - Thelma Sanders","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"40\" data-end=\"469\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"43\" data-end=\"192\"\u003eMinimum Seed Count: 15\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"40\" data-end=\"469\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"40\" data-end=\"469\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"43\" data-end=\"192\"\u003eA beloved heirloom with a rich history and incredible flavor, Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato Squash has earned its place in gardens for generations.\u003c\/strong\u003e This acorn-type squash produces cream-colored fruits with dark green ribbing and sweet, smooth flesh that many gardeners compare to baked sweet potatoes. Its exceptional flavor, reliable production, and excellent storage qualities make it a favorite for fall and winter meals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"471\" data-end=\"489\"\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"490\" data-end=\"714\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"490\" data-end=\"538\"\u003eSpecies: \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eCucurbita pepo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"539\" data-end=\"566\"\u003ePlant Type: Winter squash\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"567\" data-end=\"598\"\u003eDays to Maturity: 85–100 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"599\" data-end=\"625\"\u003eFruit Weight: 1–3 pounds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"675\"\u003eFruit Color: Cream-colored with dark green ribs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"676\" data-end=\"714\"\u003eGrowth Habit: Vigorous vining plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"716\" data-end=\"733\"\u003eGrowing Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"754\"\u003eStarting Seeds\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"755\" data-end=\"948\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"755\" data-end=\"847\"\u003eDirect sow after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 70°F.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"921\"\u003eIn short-season climates, start indoors 2–3 weeks before transplanting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"922\" data-end=\"948\"\u003ePlant seeds 1 inch deep.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"950\" data-end=\"963\"\u003ePlanting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"964\" data-end=\"1139\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"964\" data-end=\"998\"\u003eChoose a location with full sun.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"999\" data-end=\"1029\"\u003eSpace plants 3–4 feet apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1030\" data-end=\"1073\"\u003eAllow plenty of room for vines to spread.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1074\" data-end=\"1139\"\u003ePlant in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"1141\" data-end=\"1164\"\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1165\" data-end=\"1330\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1165\" data-end=\"1192\"\u003eFull sun (8+ hours daily)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1221\"\u003eFertile, well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1222\" data-end=\"1282\"\u003eConsistent moisture during flowering and fruit development\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1283\" data-end=\"1330\"\u003eMulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"1332\" data-end=\"1341\"\u003eCare\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1342\" data-end=\"1549\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1342\" data-end=\"1409\"\u003eFertilize at planting and again when vines begin vigorous growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1410\" data-end=\"1474\"\u003eEncourage pollinators to visit flowers for the best fruit set.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1475\" data-end=\"1549\"\u003eWater deeply during dry periods, especially while fruits are developing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"1551\" data-end=\"1566\"\u003eHarvesting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1567\" data-end=\"1840\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1567\" data-end=\"1655\"\u003eHarvest when fruits have developed their mature cream color and the rind becomes hard.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1656\" data-end=\"1724\"\u003eCut fruits from the vine, leaving several inches of stem attached.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1725\" data-end=\"1786\"\u003eCure in a warm, dry location for 10–14 days before storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1787\" data-end=\"1840\"\u003eProperly cured squash can store for several months.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1842\" data-end=\"1853\"\u003eHistory\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"2273\"\u003eThelma Sanders Sweet Potato Squash was preserved by Thelma Sanders of Missouri, who received the variety from a friend whose family had grown it for generations. She shared the seeds with the public through the Seed Savers Exchange, helping ensure this outstanding heirloom would not be lost. Today, it remains one of the most popular heirloom winter squashes thanks to its excellent flavor and dependable performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"2273\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"2273\"\u003eThank you to our friends @SamsGrowingFood for sharing this photo with us!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beebe Seed Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49826132328687,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0707\/8451\/6335\/files\/9FF0E611-12D4-499E-AB0B-A062E4F8E9E9.jpg?v=1781880305","url":"https:\/\/beebeseeds.com\/products\/squash-thelma-sanders","provider":"Beebe Seed Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}