Jessie Keith
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Botanical Name
Cucurbita maxima 'Brodé D'Galeux Eysines'
Plant Common Name
Brodé Galeux d'Eysines Pumpkin, Winter Pumpkin
General Description
What a spectacular winter squash! The name of this French heirloom cultivar translates to "embroidered with pebbles from Eysines” and is often truncated to ‘Galeux d'Eysines.’ As its name suggests, it originates from Eysines, a village in Gironde, Bordeaux, France. Its highly decorative, flattened fruits are salmon-beige and riddled with peanut-shaped tan warts that weave across the surface of the squash as if embroidered by nature. The dense bright orange flesh within is outstanding for baked goods, soups, roasting and gratins. The seeds are stout but also sweet and delicious if tossed in olive oil and seasoned salt and toasted in the oven. The fruits ripen approximately 95 to 105 days from sowing.
Originating from tropical South America, winter squash have been cultivated since ancient times by Native Americans. These warm season, annual vines produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers appear first, followed by the female flowers, which have distinctive bulbous ovaries at their bases. The blossoms are large, golden yellow and pollinated by bees. Huge, bristly, lobed leaves often mask the developing fruits.
Sow the seeds of winter squash directly into mounds of rich, light, well-drained soil after all danger of frost has passed. Full sun is required for successful flowering and fruiting. To reduce the risk of fungal problems, avoid unnecessary wetting of vine stems and leaves. Also monitor for stem borers, leaf bugs and beetles. As fruits mature in autumn, deer, larger birds and rodents may browse them, so protect as needed. Harvest before heavy frosts when fruit color is solid, rinds firm and the vines begin to die. Cut from the stem, leaving a short “handle”, and take care not to cut or bruise the fruits. Store in a cool, dry location, leaving space for air circulation to discourage the spread of mold.
This cultivar may also be called 'Giraumon Galeux d'Eysines', 'Courge Brodee Galeuse', or 'Warted Sugar Marrow.'
