Read the latest publication from the Department of Horticultural Sciences for July and August 2025. In this post, you can click on the title to go to the Ask IFAS page and download the document in PDF format. Stay informed about the latest contributions from UF/IFAS experts!

Harvest and Handling of Calabaza (Tropical Pumpkin)

By Megan E. Kinsman, Amarat Simonne, Carlene A. Chase, Geoffrey Meru, Steven A. Sargent, and Andrew J. MacIntosh

Calabaza (tropical pumpkin) cultivars are being developed for adoption into the southeastern growing region of the United States. Therefore, these cultivars will potentially offer growers in this region an additional commercially viable horticultural commodity. The purpose of this publication is to highlight best harvest, handling, and storage practices to serve growers interested in producing calabaza. This guidance is based on a review of preexisting and pertinent literature. Moreover, it draws upon published information about closely related winter squash varieties, like butternut squash, because of the limited available literature on calabaza. This publication clarifies what conditions are best for growing calabaza. Additionally, it explains how to tell when the fruit is mature. It also shares which postharvest qualities consumers prefer. The intended audiences of this publication are growers who have an interest in incorporating calabaza into their rotation of crops, Extension agents who are responsible for guiding growers on the harvesting and handling of calabaza crops, and anyone who has an interest in ethnic vegetable production.

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