Seeds
La Estrella F1 Tropical Pumpkin Seeds
$4.99
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Some squash have been feeding families for generations. La Estrella is one of them.
🛡️ Vine borer resistance: Excellent, the solid stems of Cucurbita moschata
The moschata group is the one that matters in a Kansas July. Solid, dense stems that vine borer larvae struggle to tunnel, and genuine tolerance for heat and humidity. Why species predicts survival here. resist the squash vine borer that kills most common pumpkins.
✅ 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.
This F1 hybrid Calabasa pumpkin belongs to Cucurbita moschata - the same tough, vine borer resistant species as our Seminole and Long Island Cheese. That matters in a Kansas garden. While C. pepo varieties get shredded by squash vine borers mid-summer, moschata keeps going. The thick stems are harder to penetrate, and the plants push through heat and humidity without skipping a beat.
La Estrella produces beautiful, nearly rib-less fruits averaging around 10 lbs, with a striking mix of green, tan, and red-orange coloring that deepens as it cures. The flesh is sweet, smooth, and firm - exactly what Caribbean, Latin, and South American cooks have been reaching for in Calabasa squash for a long time. Depending on where you shop, you will see this same squash sold as calabaza, Jamaican pumpkin, West Indian pumpkin, or Cuban squash. It roasts well, purees beautifully, and holds up in soups and stews without turning to mush.
Curious how these tropical moschatas earn their keep here? Read our Jamaican Tropical Pumpkin growing guide for the Caribbean side of the story.
Plan for 125 days from transplant to harvest. Give it room - moschata vines are vigorous. A cattle panel tunnel or a generous patch of ground will serve it well.
At a Glance
Species: Cucurbita moschata (vine borer resistant)
Type: F1 Hybrid
Days to Maturity: ~125
Fruit Weight: ~10 lbs
Skin Color: Green, tan, and red-orange
Flesh: Sweet, smooth, firm
Storage: Excellent
Seed Treatment: Available untreated or treated (FarMore FI400)
Choose untreated seed or seed treated with FarMore FI400, a protective coating that gives germination a head start in cool, wet spring soil. Pick your preference from the options above.
Read the full La Estrella Growing Guide
La Estrella is an F1 hybrid - seeds from the harvested fruit will not grow true. For seed saving, see our open-pollinated moschata varieties.
Trialed and proven at our Kansas homestead, packed in Newton, Kansas. Ships nationwide.
Quick Specs
| Species | Cucurbita moschata (F1 hybrid) |
| Days to maturity | 90 to 95 |
| Sowing | 1 in deep, hills 5 to 6 ft apart |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Vine habit | Long vines |
| Fruit size | 4 to 6 lb |
| Pest resistance | Highly vine borer resistant. Solid moschata stems are hard for borer larvae to tunnel into. Resistant, not immune, so still scout in June and July. |
Common Questions
Is La Estrella really vine borer resistant?
Highly vine borer resistant. Solid moschata stems are hard for borer larvae to tunnel into. Resistant, not immune, so still scout in June and July.
When should I plant La Estrella in Kansas?
Direct sow or transplant once soil holds 65 to 70 F, typically mid May to early June in Zone 6b. At 90 to 95 days to maturity, a late May planting ripens in September to October, right on time for curing before frost.
What is the difference between La Estrella F1 and an heirloom calabaza?
La Estrella is an F1 hybrid bred for uniform fruit and an earlier harvest than traditional calabaza. Seeds saved from F1 fruit will not grow true to type, so buy fresh seed each season for the same results.
Will it ripen before frost? La Estrella F1 Tropical Pumpkin needs about 125 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 May 29 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.
