Eden Brothers
Squash Seeds Turks Turban
Best heirloom choice for gardeners seeking dual-purpose ornamental and culinary harvests.
Discover the unique Turks Turban squash, an heirloom variety dating back to the 1820s, related to pumpkins and gourds. This plant produces striking fruit, typically 12 inches in diameter and weighing 3 to 5 pounds, featuring a solid-colored bottom half and a top section streaked with beige, reddish-orange, and dark green. It offers a mildly sweet and nutty flavor with a firm texture, making it excellent for roasting, baking, steaming, or grilling. Beyond the kitchen, its unusual appearance makes it a wonderful ornamental piece for fall displays. This fast-growing, climbing variety is also drought and heat tolerant.
$4.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5867
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-53%
Below average
Botanical Name
Cucurbita maxima
/ Cucurbita maxima
Who it's for
- Decorators seeking unique autumn centerpieces
- Home cooks who enjoy seasonal roasting and baking
- Gardeners wanting a long-lasting winter food supply
Who should skip it
- Urban gardeners with limited planting space
- Farmers in regions with short growing seasons
- Cooks preferring easy-to-prep produce
Performance breakdown
Ornamental Appeal
Striking multi-colored patterns make this a standout for seasonal decor.
Culinary Versatility
Firm texture and nutty flavor excel in roasting and baking applications.
Growth Vigor
Fast-growing climbing habit maximizes vertical space in the garden.
Environmental Resilience
Robust tolerance for both heat and drought simplifies summer maintenance.
Space Requirements
Large footprint necessitates significant garden area for healthy vine development.
Harvest Timeline
Extended maturity window requires patience throughout the long growing season.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Cucurbita maxima
Seed Type
Heirloom Seed, Open Pollinated Seed
Life Cycle
Annual
Fruit Size
12 inches in diameter, 3 to 5 pounds
Days to Maturity
90 to 120 days
Plant Spacing
24 to 36 inches
Planting Depth
1/2 inch
Hardiness Zones
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Features
- Unique, other-worldly appearance for ornamental use
- Mildly sweet and nutty flavor profile
- Firm and slightly dry texture suitable for cooking
- Fast-growing climbing habit
- Tolerant of drought and heat conditions
- Excellent for carving displays
- Heirloom and open-pollinated seeds
- Wonderful culinary and ornamental use
What customers say
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, centered on the seeds' reliability and the unique yield. Gardeners are thrilled with the high germination rate, which speaks directly to product quality. This ease of use ensures a successful harvest of the distinctively shaped Turks Turban squash, making the planting process straightforward and rewarding. Consumers feel confident investing in these seeds, knowing they will produce beautiful, conversation starting gourds.
Know before you buy
No, this variety is not suitable for containers. Because it is a vigorous climber that requires significant space for its 12-inch fruit, it should be planted directly in the ground with ample room to spread.
You can expect to harvest these squash between 90 and 120 days after planting. The exact timing depends on your local climate and growing conditions.
Due to its firm, slightly dry texture and nutty flavor, this squash is best suited for roasting, baking, steaming, or grilling. It holds its shape well during these cooking processes, making it a versatile ingredient for fall recipes.
No, these are heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, but they are not certified organic.
Yes, as a fast-growing climbing variety, providing a sturdy trellis or support structure will help manage the vines and keep the fruit off the ground, which can improve air circulation and fruit quality.
For optimal growth, space your plants 24 to 36 inches apart. This ensures the vines have enough room to spread and receive adequate sunlight.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.