How to Plant and Grow Calabaza Squash

22.06.2023 - 21:59 / gardenerspath.com / Kristine Lofgren / Winter Squash

Many people are finally catching on to the magic of calabaza squash, and it’s about time.

This winter type is more resistant to disease than a lot of the other varieties of squash on the market, and a single fruit can yield 10 pounds or more of dense, delicious flesh.

In other words, because it’s generally healthy and grows a ton of fruits, one plant will likely give you enough food to last a good, long time. You’ll be handing calabazas out as gifts to all the neighbors!

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There’s something to be said about the aesthetics of this variety, too.

If you like creating a fall display with different types of squash and gourds, calabaza has an eye-catching, fairytale-esque look to it, though I wouldn’t recommend that you use it for carving Jack-o-lanterns. The skin is tough!

But that tough skin is actually a great thing when it comes to edible use. It means the fruits can be stored for months and months with no trouble at all.

Because this is an open-pollinated, heirloom type, there are wonderful variations in the plants from region to region. I’ve come across some incredible ones in markets in my travels and I saved a few seeds to try in my own garden.

So, if you’re ready to give calabaza a go in your garden space, you’ll need two things. A big old chunk of available ground, and this guide.

Here’s everything we’ll tackle, coming up right up:

Calabaza is the same species as the butternut, and the taste is somewhat similar.

Just imagine butternut squash but slightly denser and more flavorful, and you’ve got the idea. It’s buttery, sweet, and mashes up into an ice cream-like