🎃 Cucurbita pepo Winter Squash ‘Hungarian Blue’ – Rare Steel-Blue Squash with Sweet, Fine-Textured Flesh

‘Hungarian Blue’ is an unusual and visually striking winter squash producing beautifully ribbed fruits in shades of steel-blue to slate-grey. Inside, the deep orange flesh is sweet, dense, and fine-textured, ideal for roasting, soups, baking, and autumn–winter dishes. Fruits typically weigh 2–4 kg, store extremely well, and develop even better flavour after curing. Vigorous, productive plants thrive in sunny conditions and are well suited to kitchen gardens and allotments.

Key Features

● Rare steel-blue ribbed winter squash

● Sweet, dense, fine-grained orange flesh

● Fruits store well into winter

● Productive and vigorous vines

● Excellent for roasting, soups, baking and purées

How to Sow & Grow Winter Squash ‘Hungarian Blue’ (Cucurbita pepo) – UK

Sow indoors: IV–V (April–May) in pots

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) once frost danger has passed

Direct outdoors: V–VI (May–June) into warm soil

Harvest: IX–X (September–October)

Germination temperature: 18–24 °C (64–75 °F)

Average germ time: 7–14 days

Depth: 2–3 cm (¾–1¼ in)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil; add compost before planting

Plant spacing: 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft)

Vine length: 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Start indoors for earlier harvests in cooler climates.

● Mulch well to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

● Feed regularly with high-potash fertiliser during fruiting.

● Allow fruits to fully mature on the vine for best flavour.

● Cure harvested fruits in a warm, airy place for 10–14 days.

Special Features

● Rare heirloom colour — striking steel-blue rind

● Stores exceptionally well, improving in sweetness

● Compact vines compared to many winter squash types