Jessie Keith
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Botanical Name
Cucurbita moschata 'Long Island Cheese'
Plant Common Name
Long Island Cheese Pumpkin, Winter Pumpkin
General Description
The plump, flattened, lightly-ribbed fruits of this heirloom winter squash have smooth, creamy-tan skin, and somewhat resemble large wheels of cheese. The deep-orange, moderately sweet flesh is delicious for roasting, steaming, or baked into pies. Though not a true pumpkin, ‘Long Island Cheese’ makes a fun and unique Jack-o’-lantern, and adds a beautiful touch to fall displays and decorating schemes. It is ready for harvest approximately 105 days from sowing.
Like many winter squash, ‘Long Island Cheese’ is derived from the species Cucurbita moschata, a warm season, annual vine originating from the Americas. These plants bear, large, trumpet-shaped, papery, golden-yellow flowers along angled, stiff stems with small hairs and large, lobed leaves. Pollinated by bees, the flowers are either male or female in gender, with female blossoms possessing swollen, green ovaries at the base. Following pollination, these ripen to mature fruits.
Sow the seeds of winter squash directly into mounds of rich, light soil after the 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. Monitor closely for stem borers, leaf bugs and beetles, and protect from browsing deer, birds and rodents in autumn. Cut squash from the vine before heavy frost when the rind is firm and solid in color, leaving a short stem for easy handling and to discourage fruit rot. Take care not to cut or bruise the skin, and store fruits in a cool, dry, frost-free location, leaving space between for good air circulation.
