Hidatsa Winter Squash

Cucurbita maxima  Seeds per Packet ~ 20 Packed for 2025 Origins and History The Hidatsa Squash is a traditional heirloom variety cultivated by the Hidatsa people of the Northern Plains along the Missouri River in present-day North Dakota. This squash was grown as part of the “Three Sisters” system—squash, corn, and beans—an Indigenous agricultural practice that sustained communities for centuries. Hidatsa Squash was prized not only for its food value but also for its excellent storage qualities, which allowed families to preserve a reliable food source through long, harsh winters. It is one of several heirlooms preserved by Native seed stewards and later shared with wider seed networks, helping ensure its continuation as a culturally significant crop. Appearance and Characteristics Hidatsa Squash produces medium to large fruits, typically 10–20 inches long, with a teardrop or slightly oblong shape. The skin is a deep orange with occasional mottling, while the flesh inside is dense, fin