North Georgia Candy Roaster

The North Georgia Candy Roaster is a remarkable heirloom squash variety cherished for its distinctive elongated shape and vibrant pink to orange skin with green-painted blossom end. The robust vines of this plant can extend widely, producing large, torpedo-shaped squashes that can weigh between 10 - 20 pounds. Inside, the rich, sweet, and creamy orange flesh offers a delectable flavor perfect for baking, roasting, pies, and soups. Originating from the Southern Appalachian region, this squash is known for its excellent storage capabilities, making it a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike. North Georgia Candy Roaster ensures a standout addition to any farm, garden, and kitchen!

Squash is one of the plants grown in the traditional Native American vegetable growing technique called the Three Sisters. The other two plants in the Three Sisters are beans and corn. Each plant had its role in this companion planting tradition. Corn served as a structure for the vining beans to grow up. Squash served as a ground cover to prevent weeds from growing. Beans provided natural fertilizer for all.

Also Known As: Georgia Candy Roaster, Candy Roaster Squash, North Georgia Pumpkin, Candy Roaster Pumpkin, Plymouth Rock Squash, Pink Banana Candy Roaster Squash.

Plant Name:	Winter Squash, North Georgia Candy Roaster
Latin Name:	Curcubita maxima
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	105
Plant Height:	4 - 6 Feet
Spread:	8 - 12 Feet
Growth Habit:	Vining
USDA Zones:	3-9
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 8 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For an earlier harvest, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when the soil temperature is above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting. Optionally, train plants to climb a 6-8 foot trellis or fence as they establish and prepare additional support for the heavy squash as they grow.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing Candy Roaster outdoors, plant in mid-late spring when the soil warms to at least 60F. Fall planting is not typically recommended unless planting in climates with mild winters (USDA Zones 9-11) - plant at least 3-4 months before the first expected frost date.

To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 4 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting. Optionally, train plants to climb a 6-8 foot trellis or fence as they establish and prepare additional support for the heavy squash as they grow.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	4 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	8 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once to twice a week. If there is no rainfall, water 3-4 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, 2-3 weeks after germination, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a complete fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Optionally, continue fertilizing every 3-4 weeks as plants grow, especially after flowering begins. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Candy Roaster is ready to harvest when the fruits reach their full size, typically 18 to 24 inches long, and the skin has hardened and turned a deep pinkish-orange color, about 100-120 days after planting. To check for maturity, press your fingernail against the skin - if it resists puncture, the squash is ready. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the squash from the vine, leaving a 2-3 inch stem attached to extend storage life. Harvest before the first frost, as cold temperatures can damage the fruit. After harvesting, cure the squash in a warm, dry place for 10-14 days to harden the skin further and improve storage quality. Store in a cool, dry location, and enjoy throughout the season.