12/28/2023 0 Comments 7 days to die seeds![]() Little did we know that those popular ceramic pets sprouting grass “hair” were a foretelling of the even greater success their seeds would have in edible form 25 years later. PACKET: 30 seeds (unless otherwise noted in product description), sows 15'.“Ch-ch-ch-chia” may be a familiar jingle if you grew up during the 1980s. STORAGE: Store at 50-60☏ (10-15☌) with 50-70% relative humidity and good ventilation. White varieties should be brought out of direct sunlight once foliage starts to die back cure inside and keep out of sun to avoid yellowing. Sun cure in the field for 5-7 days or cure indoors by keeping fruits at 80-85☏ (27-29☌) with good air ventilation. Avoid picking up fruits by handles and take care not to damage the skin/rind. When fruit color is fully developed, clip handles close to the vine. HARVEST: Fruits can tolerate 1-2 light frosts, however, temperatures below 28☏ (-2☌) can damage fruit. Insecticides (specifically, pyrethrin sprays) may offer some control. moschata types are less susceptible to vine borers. Keep field borders mowed and remove plant refuse in the fall spring plow to bury pupae. For vine borers, cut out of vines and hill soil over the wound. Squash bug eggs found on the undersides of leaves may be crushed by hand. Protect young plants with floating row covers. INSECT PESTS: Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and vine borers are all common pests for cucurbits. ![]() If necessary, check with your local Cooperative Extension Service agent for specific control options. Avoid problems with adequate soil drainage, good air flow, insect pest control, and crop rotation. DISEASES: Common cucurbit diseases include powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, and phytophthora. Spacing requirements may vary, so check for individual variety recommendations. In-row spacing varies depending on fruit size and is generally: small, 18-24" medium, 24-36" and large to extra-large, 36-72". PLANT SPACING: For between-row spacing, bush plants require 4-5', short-vine habits require 6' and long-vine habits generally require 12'. Thin to 1 plant per spacing interval after seedlings are established. Sow 2 seeds at the appropriate spacing interval for the variety's vine length, 1/2-1" deep. DIRECT SEEDING: Sow in late spring when soil is at least 70☏ (21☌) and frost danger has passed. Handle seedlings carefully minimal root disturbance is best. After danger of frost has passed, transplant out according to the spacing recommendations for each variety. Harden plants 4–7 days prior to transplanting. ![]() Thin with scissors to 1 plant/container or cell with scissors. TRANSPLANTING: Sow 2-3 seeds per 2" container or plug flat about 3 weeks prior to transplanting. Overexposure to sun in the field after maturity and foliage dieback reduces fruit and handle color quality. Time plantings so that varieties will mature for the fall market. Poor fruit development may indicate insufficient pollination. Row covers should be removed when plants begin to flower. Plastic mulch and fabric row covers (AG-19 grade) can aide plant establishment and exclude insect pests during the seedling stage. CULTURE: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8–6.8 is best.
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