Back in 2015, a dig here in WI turned up a clay ball filled with squash seeds. Researchers planted the seeds, which grew into viable squash plants. Since then, gardeners, reenactors and history buffs have been sharing the seeds from these fruits. We got some seeds from friends in MI this spring and planted 5 plants this year. They are doing well and the fruits are coming along. We will be saving some seeds for ourselves and passing along many more.

Here's a linknto an article about the dig and the find.

squash seeds

How does it taste?

Appears to be a moschata type.

have field planted come fall squash free

A friend gave me some bean seeds that were from an archeologic dig in Mexico supposed to be close to 4000 years old planted them and got 1 plant out of six beans saving them all for replant. The seed beans were very small and purple not sure but assume eatable.

Very cool k snow. Eric

Danvee, You have any picks of the plant/seeds. Eric

Have not tried one yet. I will definitely post when we do.

Potentially resistant to many current diseases, and also might start an unknown disease up again. Gotta be careful what you wish for.

Must be an ancestor of mine. LOL

Thought this was going to be a Bigfoot thread

Squash not squatch

Is that a summer or winter type squash?

At Thomas Jefferson's home near Charlottesville VA, they sell heirloom seeds from his garden. The seeds aren't old but the varieties are.

If it's a moschata type then a winter squash that can be eaten young like a summer pepo type.

Moschata is the group that includes butternut, seminole pumpkin, candy roaster.

BTW moschatas are solid stemmed vs the hollow stemmed pepo types. Solid stems make them immune to squash vine borers.

Very interesting stuff. I remember hearing that various old wheat cultivars were revived when pulled out of the Egyptian pyramids and the seed proved to be still viable.

I wonder if those Indians went around to their neighbors in the summer trying to give away squash?

I am told it can be used both ways.

These kind of " old seeds discovered " are akin to the " walked uphill both ways" saying.

I've heard this type stuff for many years.

If you ever get enough seeds out of them, let us know if you want to part with any, as long as they taste good!, lol

Now that is very interesting.