Squash Harrier F1 RHS Seeds

 

Squash Harrier F1 (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) is an award-winning winter squash variety, proudly holding the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its outstanding flavour, reliability, and productivity.

 

This hybrid is known for producing attractive, uniform, deep orange fruits with firm, sweet flesh that stores exceptionally well, making it an excellent choice for extended winter use.

 

The rich, nutty flavour and smooth texture make it perfect for roasting, soups, casseroles, or baking. Its strong, vigorous plants yield consistently high crops of medium-sized fruits, ensuring both home gardeners and allotment growers enjoy a dependable harvest.

 

Seed Qty: Approx. 10 seeds

 

Sow: April – May (indoors) or May – June (outdoors after frost)

Germination: 7 – 14 days

Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH

Height/Spread: Trailing habit, up to 2–3 metres

Harvesting: September – October

Companion Plants: Sweetcorn, Beans, Nasturtiums (for natural pest deterrence)

Avoid Planting With: Potatoes

 

Sowing Instructions

 

Indoors: Sow from April to May in individual pots, 2–3 cm deep in quality seed compost. Maintain temperatures of 18–21°C and keep soil evenly moist. Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors after the last frost.

 

Outdoors: Sow directly from late May to June once soil has warmed. Place seeds 2–3 cm deep, spacing plants 90–120 cm apart to allow for trailing vines.

 

Growing Tips: Plant in a sunny, sheltered site with rich soil. Water generously during dry spells and mulch around plants to retain soil moisture. Regular feeding with a high-potash fertiliser will encourage heavy cropping. Harvest fruits before the first frost and cure in a dry, sunny place for long storage.

 

Squash Harrier F1 combines excellent taste, good storage qualities, and RHS-approved reliability – making it a superb choice for gardeners looking for dependable, flavoursome winter squash.