Seeds
Cushaw Green-Striped Pumpkin Seeds, Southern Heirloom
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Cushaw Green-Striped Pumpkin Seeds, a Southern Appalachian heirloom (Cucurbita argyrosperma) with natural vine borer resistance and beautiful striped skin. Light, sweet flesh ideal for pies. Shipped from Kansas.
🛡️ Vine borer resistance: Good, solid-stemmed Cucurbita argyrosperma stands up to squash vine borers far better than common pumpkins.
🌱 Free Shipping on Orders $25+, ships from Newton, Kansas.
✅ Germination Promise: if your seeds fail to germinate under proper growing conditions, contact us within one year and we will replace them or refund your purchase. See the details.
📖 Read our complete growing guide for this variety →
Untreated is our standard pack, pure seed only. Best for natural home gardens and seed savers.
Treated (Thiram) seed has been coated with thiram fungicide to protect against soil-borne damping-off in cool, wet soil. Treated seed must not be eaten or fed to animals, and should not be used for food, feed, or oil purposes. Wash hands after handling.
A Southern heirloom with roots stretching back generations. The green-striped cushaw laughs at vine borers and summer heat. Its pale, fine-grained flesh makes silky pies and butters.
Growing Guide
Cucurbita argyrosperma
Annual
100 days
Full sun
36-48″ apart
1″
Vine
10-15 lbs (up to 25 lbs)
Green striped with pale orange flesh
Pie, baking, butter
No
Yes, 3 weeks
No
Heat tolerant, borer resistant
Also known as: Crookneck, sweet potato pumpkin
History & Origin
The Green-Striped Cushaw (Cucurbita argyrosperma) has been cultivated by Native American peoples for thousands of years. Unlike most pumpkins in our catalog, it belongs to a different species entirely, which makes it highly resistant to squash vine borers, the number one pest in Kansas gardens. Its distinctive curved neck and green-and-white striped skin are unmistakable in the patch.
In the Kitchen
Cushaw makes exceptional pies with a lighter, more delicate flavor than standard pumpkin. In Southern tradition, it is baked into custard-like pies or slow-cooked into preserves. The yellow flesh is mild and sweet, ideal for soups and baked goods.
Related Reading
Quick Specs
| Species | Cucurbita argyrosperma |
| Days to maturity | 100 to 110 |
| Sowing | 1 in deep, hills 8 to 10 ft apart, rows 10 ft |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Vine habit | Long rambling vines |
| Fruit size | 10 to 20 lb |
| Pest resistance | Good vine borer resistance. Cushaw types (C. argyrosperma) have tougher stems than common squash, though not quite the solid stems of moschata. |
Common Questions
Is Cushaw Green-Striped Pumpkin really vine borer resistant?
Good vine borer resistance. Cushaw types (C. argyrosperma) have tougher stems than common squash, though not quite the solid stems of moschata.
When should I plant Cushaw Green-Striped Pumpkin in Kansas?
Direct sow or transplant once soil holds 65 to 70 F, typically mid May to early June in Zone 6b. At 100 to 110 days to maturity, a late May planting ripens in September to October, right on time for curing before frost.
What do you cook with a green-striped cushaw?
Cushaw pie is a Southern tradition, and the mild sweet flesh also works in soups, curries, and baking anywhere pumpkin does. One fruit yields a lot, so plan to share or freeze.
Will it ripen before frost? Cushaw Green-Striped Pumpkin needs about 100 days from sowing. In a typical Newton, Kansas Zone 6b season the first fall frost arrives between October 10 and 20, so direct sow by about June 23 to finish with a two week cushion. Planting later, or gardening in a different zone? Check your own planting window.
What growers are saying
Shipping & Satisfaction
We ship seeds and coffee via USPS from Newton, Kansas. Orders typically ship within 1 to 3 business days.
Seeds: Flat-rate shipping. Ships year-round.
Coffee: Packed fresh in Newton and shipped weekly.
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Growing Tips
Each seed packet includes detailed growing instructions. For additional help, visit our Growing Guides or reach out to us directly.
Seed life: 4 to 6 years stored cool, dry and dark. Germination is strongest in the first 2 to 3 years, so sow the freshest packet first and test older seed before you plan a bed around it.
Complete your patch
Most growers plant three or four varieties. Free shipping on orders over $25.00.
