Delicata Squash

Cucurbita pepo   Seeds per pack ~ 20    Germination: 85% April 2025  Packed for 2026 Origins and History Cucurbita pepo, one of the most diverse and ancient species in the squash and pumpkin family, has its origins in the Americas. Archaeological evidence traces its domestication back more than 8,000 years to Mesoamerica—particularly regions of present-day Mexico—and parts of the eastern United States. Early Indigenous peoples cultivated wild gourds not only for food but also for their hard shells, which were used as containers, utensils, and even musical instruments. Over centuries of selection and migration, C. pepo diversified into an astonishing array of forms, including pumpkins, zucchinis, scallop squashes (pattypans), crooknecks, and acorn squashes. Each lineage reflects regional adaptations and culinary traditions. European explorers introduced the species to Europe in the 16th century, where it rapidly gained popularity due to its versatility and ease of cultivation. Today, Cu