{"product_id":"squash-crown-prince-f1","title":"Squash Crown Prince F1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\" name=\"viewport\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n\n  * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n  body { padding: 30px 24px 60px; }\n\n  \/* Dropdowns *\/\n  details {\n    border: 1px solid #d8e4c8;\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    margin: 16px 0;\n    overflow: hidden;\n    background: #f9fdf5;\n  }\n  summary {\n    cursor: pointer;\n    padding: 14px 18px;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    color: #2c2c2c;\n    background: #eef5e4;\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    list-style: none;\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    gap: 8px;\n    user-select: none;\n  }\n  summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }\n  summary::after { content: '＋'; margin-left: auto; color: #5a7e3a; }\n  details[open] summary::after { content: '－'; }\n  details[open] summary { border-radius: 8px 8px 0 0; background: #ddeecb; }\n  .dropdown-body { padding: 20px 22px 22px; }\n  .dropdown-body p { margin-bottom: 12px; color: #333; }\n  .dropdown-body strong { color: #1a1a1a; }\n\n  \/* Dual-purpose highlight panel *\/\n  .dual-panel {\n    display: grid;\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n    gap: 14px;\n    margin: 16px 0;\n  }\n  @media (max-width: 560px) { .dual-panel { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }\n  .dual-box {\n    border-radius: 10px;\n    padding: 16px 18px;\n  }\n  .dual-box h4 { margin-bottom: 8px; }\n  .dual-box p { margin-bottom: 0; }\n  .box-ornamental { background: #4a5a6a; }\n  .box-ornamental h4, .box-ornamental p { color: #fff; }\n  .box-edible { background: #7a5a1a; }\n  .box-edible h4, .box-edible p { color: #fff; }\n\n  \/* Perfect For colour boxes *\/\n  .perfect-for-grid {\n    display: grid;\n    grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(160px, 1fr));\n    gap: 12px;\n    margin-top: 14px;\n  }\n  .pf-box {\n    border-radius: 10px;\n    padding: 14px 14px 12px;\n    display: flex;\n    flex-direction: column;\n    gap: 6px;\n  }\n  .pf-icon { line-height: 1; }\n  .pf-label { font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.3; color: #fff; }\n  .pf-slate  { background: #4a5a6a; }\n  .pf-amber  { background: #7a5a1a; }\n  .pf-green  { background: #4a7a2a; }\n  .pf-teal   { background: #2a7a5a; }\n  .pf-navy   { background: #2a4a6a; }\n\n  \/* Specs table *\/\n  .specs-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 10px; }\n  .specs-table tr:nth-child(odd) td { background: #f4f9ee; }\n  .specs-table td { padding: 9px 12px; border: 1px solid #d8e4c8; vertical-align: top; }\n  .specs-table td:first-child { font-weight: 700; color: #2c4a1a; white-space: nowrap; width: 200px; }\n\n  \/* Companion cards *\/\n  .companion-list { list-style: none; margin-top: 6px; }\n  .companion-list li {\n    padding: 14px 16px;\n    margin-bottom: 10px;\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    border-left: 5px solid;\n    background: #f9fdf5;\n  }\n  .companion-list li.orange { border-color: #c87a10; }\n  .companion-list li.blue   { border-color: #2e6da4; }\n  .companion-list li.green  { border-color: #4a7a2a; }\n  .companion-list li.amber  { border-color: #d4821e; }\n  .companion-list li a { color: #2c4a8a; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; }\n  .companion-list li a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }\n  .companion-emoji { font-size: 1.3rem; margin-right: 6px; }\n\n  \/* Calendar *\/\n  .calendar-intro { font-style: italic; color: #555; margin-bottom: 16px; }\n  .calendar-wrap { overflow-x: auto; }\n  .calendar-table {\n    width: 100%;\n    border-collapse: separate;\n    border-spacing: 3px 6px;\n    min-width: 540px;\n  }\n  .calendar-table th,\n  .calendar-table td { text-align: center; border: none; padding: 0; }\n  .cal-label {\n    text-align: left !important;\n    padding: 0 14px 0 0 !important;\n    white-space: nowrap;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    width: 145px;\n    vertical-align: middle;\n  }\n  .cal-month { font-weight: 700; color: #4a4a4a; padding: 0 0 8px 0 !important; }\n  .cal-cell       { height: 32px; vertical-align: middle; }\n  .cal-sow        { background: #5a9e3a; }\n  .cal-transplant { background: #e8940a; }\n  .cal-harvest    { background: #4a5a6a; }\n  .cal-empty      { background: #e2e2e2; }\n  .first-active   { border-radius: 16px 0 0 16px; }\n  .last-active    { border-radius: 0 16px 16px 0; }\n  .mid            { border-radius: 0; }\n  .solo           { border-radius: 16px; }\n\n  \/* Legend *\/\n  .cal-legend { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 18px; margin-top: 14px; align-items: center; }\n  .cal-legend-item { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 7px; }\n  .cal-swatch { width: 30px; height: 14px; border-radius: 7px; display: inline-block; flex-shrink: 0; }\n  .swatch-sow        { background: #5a9e3a; }\n  .swatch-transplant { background: #e8940a; }\n  .swatch-harvest    { background: #4a5a6a; }\n  .swatch-empty      { background: #e2e2e2; border: 1px solid #bbb; }\n\n  \/* Tip box *\/\n  .tip-box {\n    background: #f0f4f8;\n    border: 1px solid #a8b8c8;\n    border-left: 5px solid #4a5a6a;\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    padding: 14px 18px;\n    margin-top: 20px;\n    color: #1a2a3a;\n  }\n  .tip-box strong { color: #0a1520; }\n\n  \/* Strapline *\/\n  .strapline {\n    font-style: italic;\n    color: #555;\n    margin-bottom: 22px;\n    border-left: 3px solid #4a5a6a;\n    padding-left: 14px;\n  }\n  .intro p { margin-bottom: 14px; color: #333; }\n\n  \/* Closing box *\/\n  .closing-box {\n    background: #f0f6e8;\n    border: 1px solid #c5dea8;\n    border-radius: 10px;\n    padding: 20px 24px;\n    margin-top: 24px;\n  }\n  .closing-box h3 { margin-bottom: 8px; color: #2c4a1a; }\n  .closing-box p  { color: #333; margin-bottom: 8px; }\n  .closing-box a  { color: #2c4a8a; font-weight: 700; }\n\n  hr.section { border: none; border-top: 1px solid #ddeecb; margin: 28px 0; }\n\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eCrown Prince F1 Squash Seeds\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"strapline\"\u003eA magnificent slate-blue squash with deep orange flesh of extraordinary sweetness. Stores for months, tastes exceptional, and looks spectacular doing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"intro\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf any squash has earned the right to be called a classic, it is Crown Prince. That distinctive powder-blue skin — somewhere between slate grey and seafoam — is immediately recognisable and utterly unlike anything else on the vegetable plot. Beneath it lies the real treasure: deep, vibrant orange flesh that is exceptionally dense, dry, and sweet, with a rich, butternut-like flavour that many cooks consider the finest of any winter squash grown in Britain. Roast it, soup it, stuff it, or bake it — it handles every treatment beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis F1 hybrid delivers all the qualities that made Crown Prince a household name, with the added vigour and uniformity that F1 breeding brings. The fruits are large — typically 3–5kg — and genuinely substantial, making each one a significant harvest in its own right. They store for an exceptional length of time, often lasting four to six months in a cool room, which means a good September harvest will still be delivering outstanding meals in February. Few crops repay the space and patience they ask of you quite so generously.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"section\"\u003e\u003c!-- DROPDOWN 1: Understanding the Plant --\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e🌿 Understanding the Plant\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dropdown-body\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCucurbita maxima\u003c\/em\u003e 'Crown Prince F1' is a \u003cstrong\u003eHalf-Hardy Annual\u003c\/strong\u003e and one of the most highly regarded winter squashes in British horticulture. It is a vigorous trailing vine that requires a long growing season and generous space, but rewards that investment with large, magnificently flavoured fruits of remarkable keeping quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat Makes F1 Different:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is an F1 hybrid variety, meaning it is produced by crossing two carefully selected parent lines. The result is a plant with enhanced vigour, greater disease resistance, and highly uniform fruits compared to open-pollinated Crown Prince varieties. It germinates reliably, grows vigorously, and produces fruits that are consistently large, well-formed, and of excellent eating quality — making it particularly well suited to UK conditions where the growing season can be unpredictable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Blue Skin Explained:\u003c\/strong\u003e The unique silvery blue-grey skin of Crown Prince is caused by a natural waxy bloom — a thin layer of epicuticular wax deposited on the surface as the fruit matures. This wax coating is not merely decorative; it acts as a natural barrier that slows moisture loss and dramatically extends storage life. The skin hardens to an almost impenetrable shell at maturity, which is why Crown Prince stores so remarkably well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dual-panel\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dual-box box-ornamental\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e🩶 As an Ornamental\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe extraordinary slate-blue skin makes Crown Prince one of the most architecturally striking vegetables in the kitchen garden. A single large fruit displayed on a kitchen worktop, a windowsill, or as part of an autumn harvest arrangement is a genuinely beautiful object — its cool, muted colouring is particularly striking alongside the warm oranges of Turk's Turban and traditional pumpkins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dual-box box-edible\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e🍂 As an Edible\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe deep orange flesh is exceptionally dry, dense, and sweet — qualities that make it superior for roasting (it caramelises beautifully), soups (no excess liquid to thin the flavour), risottos, and gnocchi. Its flavour deepens further in storage, meaning fruits eaten in December or January often taste even better than those eaten fresh from the garden in September.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c!-- DROPDOWN 2: Growing Guide --\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e🌱 Growing Guide\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dropdown-body\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrown Prince needs a long growing season to develop its large, deeply flavoured fruits — sowing indoors in April gives it the full British summer it needs to mature before the first frosts of autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Sow:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSow indoors from \u003cstrong\u003emid-April to mid-May\u003c\/strong\u003e. Sow seeds individually into 7–9cm pots of good-quality seed compost, placing each seed on its edge approximately 2cm deep. Sowing on the edge prevents the seed sitting in a pool of moisture at its base, which reduces the risk of rotting. Maintain a temperature of 18–21°C. Germination typically occurs within \u003cstrong\u003e7–10 days\u003c\/strong\u003e. Grow on in a bright, warm spot and water carefully — overwatering at the seedling stage is the most common cause of failure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransplanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the last frost has passed — typically \u003cstrong\u003elate May to early June\u003c\/strong\u003e across most of the UK — harden plants off gradually over 7–10 days before planting out. Space plants \u003cstrong\u003e1–1.5m apart\u003c\/strong\u003e; Crown Prince is a vigorous vine that will spread generously given the room. Prepare the planting hole generously with well-rotted manure or compost, as this is a hungry, thirsty crop that will repay good soil preparation handsomely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOngoing Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWater deeply and consistently at the base of the plant, keeping the foliage dry to reduce the risk of powdery mildew — a common issue in warm, dry summers. Once the first fruits have set and reached the size of a tennis ball, begin feeding weekly with a high-potassium tomato-type fertiliser. For the largest and best-quality fruits, limit each plant to two or three by removing surplus female flowers once your chosen fruits are well established. The vines can be trained along the ground or encouraged over a sturdy arch or fence — growing vertically saves space and keeps fruits off damp soil, improving their keeping quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHarvest from \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember to October\u003c\/strong\u003e, once the skin has turned fully blue-grey and hardened completely, and the stalk has begun to dry and cork. Leave as much stalk as possible — at least 5cm — as this is the primary entry point for storage rots. Cure in a warm spot at 25–30°C for 10–14 days before moving to long-term storage. Stored in a cool, dry, frost-free place, Crown Prince F1 will keep for an outstanding \u003cstrong\u003e4–6 months\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c!-- DROPDOWN 3: Plant Specifications --\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e📋 Plant Specifications\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dropdown-body\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"specs-table\" style=\"width: 100.078%; height: 1036.6px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 38.4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eCucurbita maxima\u003c\/em\u003e 'Crown Prince F1'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 38.4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eCrown Prince Squash \/ Blue Hubbard type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 38.4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eHalf-Hardy Annual (F1 Hybrid)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 58px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 58px;\"\u003eHardiness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 58px;\"\u003eH1C — Tender; sow under cover, plant out after last frost\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 38.4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eLight Requirements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eFull Sun ☀️\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 38.4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003ePlant Habit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eVigorous trailing vine\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 38.4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eVine Spread\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003e1.5m – 3m\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 38.4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eSpacing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003e1m – 1.5m apart\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 38.4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eFruit Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eApproximately 3–5kg per fruit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 38.4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eSkin Colour\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eDistinctive powder blue-grey with waxy bloom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 58px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 58px;\"\u003eFlesh Colour \u0026amp; Flavour\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 58px;\"\u003eDeep orange; dense, dry, and richly sweet — exceptional for roasting and soups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 58px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 58px;\"\u003eTime to Harvest\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 58px;\"\u003eApproximately 100–120 days from transplanting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 38.4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eHarvest Period\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eSeptember to October\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 38.4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eStorage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003e4–6 months in a cool, dry, frost-free location\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 38.4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eSeeds per Packet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 38.4px;\"\u003eApproximately 5 seeds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 401.8px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.7597%; height: 401.8px;\"\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.0078%; height: 401.8px;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"perfect-for-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pf-box pf-amber\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"pf-icon\"\u003e🍂\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"pf-label\"\u003eSoups, Risottos \u0026amp; Roasting\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pf-box pf-slate\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"pf-icon\"\u003e🩶\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"pf-label\"\u003eStunning Harvest Displays\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pf-box pf-green\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"pf-icon\"\u003e🏡\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"pf-label\"\u003eKitchen \u0026amp; Potager Gardens\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pf-box pf-teal\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"pf-icon\"\u003e❄️\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"pf-label\"\u003eLong-Term Winter Storage\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pf-box pf-navy\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"pf-icon\"\u003e🐝\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"pf-label\"\u003ePollinator-Friendly Veg Plots\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c!-- DROPDOWN 4: Garden Combinations --\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e🤝 Beautiful Garden Combinations\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dropdown-body\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrown Prince is a hungry, spreading plant that thrives with good companions around it — these from our range protect the crop, support pollination, and make the vegetable garden look as beautiful as any flower border:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"companion-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"orange\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"companion-emoji\"\u003e🌼\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com\/products\/nasturtium-tom-thumb-seeds\" title=\"Nasturtium Tom Thumb Seeds\"\u003eNasturtium 'Tom Thumb'\u003c\/a\u003e: The Squash's Bodyguard.\u003c\/strong\u003e Nasturtiums are one of the most time-honoured companions for squash — their pungent foliage confuses and deters aphids and whitefly, and they serve as an outstanding trap crop, drawing blackfly away from the vulnerable squash vines onto themselves. Their vivid orange and red flowers also bring colour to the vegetable garden throughout the long months while Crown Prince is quietly developing its fruits, and the edible leaves and flowers make a peppery, beautiful garnish alongside roasted squash.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"amber\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"companion-emoji\"\u003e🧡\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com\/products\/calendula-art-shades-mixed-seeds\" title=\"Calendula Art Shades Mixed Seeds\"\u003eCalendula 'Art Shades Mixed'\u003c\/a\u003e: The Potager Classic.\u003c\/strong\u003e The warm apricot and amber tones of Art Shades Calendula provide a beautiful colour contrast to Crown Prince's cool blue-grey fruits in the autumn garden. As a companion, Calendula is exceptional — it attracts beneficial hoverflies and lacewings that prey on common pests, and its resin-coated roots are believed to actively deter soil nematodes. A plant that earns its place as much for what it does as for how it looks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"blue\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"companion-emoji\"\u003e🌼\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com\/products\/borage-seeds\" title=\"Borage Seeds\"\u003eBorage\u003c\/a\u003e: The Pollination Specialist.\u003c\/strong\u003e Borage is arguably the single most important companion you can plant alongside any squash. Poor fruit set — where flowers appear but no fruits develop — is almost always caused by insufficient pollination, and a clump of Borage nearby creates a constant stream of bees working the area throughout the day. Its electric blue flowers are also edible with a fresh cucumber flavour, and make a striking garnish alongside Crown Prince soup. Plant it at the edges of the vegetable bed and let it do its work quietly all season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"green\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"companion-emoji\"\u003e🌿\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com\/products\/basil-classic-italian-seeds\" title=\"Basil Classic Italian Seeds\"\u003eBasil Classic Italian\u003c\/a\u003e: The Aromatic Deterrent.\u003c\/strong\u003e Basil planted near squash is a classic Italian kitchen garden practice — its powerful aromatic oils are believed to confuse and deter the aphids, spider mites, and whitefly that target squash foliage during warm spells. On the plate, the pairing is equally compelling: roasted Crown Prince with good olive oil, Parmesan, and torn fresh basil is one of the great autumn dishes, and growing both together means the ingredients arrive in the kitchen at exactly the same time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c!-- DROPDOWN 5: Sowing \u0026 Harvesting Calendar --\u003e\n\u003cdetails open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e📅 Sowing \u0026amp; Harvesting Calendar\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dropdown-body\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"calendar-intro\"\u003eSow indoors in April for a long, productive growing season — Crown Prince F1 needs the full warmth of the British summer to develop its large, dense fruits before the first frosts arrive in autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"calendar-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"calendar-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-label\"\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eJan\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eFeb\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eMar\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eApr\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eMay\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eJun\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eJul\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eAug\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eSep\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eOct\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eNov\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eDec\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003c!-- Sow Indoors: Apr–May --\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-label\"\u003e🌱 Sow Indoors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-sow first-active\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-sow last-active\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c!-- Transplant Out: late May–Jun --\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-label\"\u003e🪴 Transplant Out\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-transplant first-active\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-transplant last-active\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c!-- Harvest: Sep–Oct --\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-label\"\u003e🩶 Harvest\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-harvest first-active\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-harvest last-active\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cal-legend\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cal-legend-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cal-swatch swatch-sow\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSow Indoors\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cal-legend-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cal-swatch swatch-transplant\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTransplant Out\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cal-legend-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cal-swatch swatch-harvest\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHarvest\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cal-legend-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cal-swatch swatch-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNot active\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e✨ Curing \u0026amp; Storage Tip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNever move Crown Prince straight from the garden to storage. After harvesting, cure the fruits for 10–14 days in a warm spot at 25–30°C — a sunny conservatory, heated greenhouse, or warm spare room works perfectly. Curing hardens the skin further, heals any minor surface damage, and concentrates the sugars in the flesh. A properly cured Crown Prince stored in a cool, dry room at around 10–15°C will keep its quality for four to six months — and the flavour genuinely improves over the first few months of storage, making December and January the best time to eat it.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c!-- CLOSING --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"closing-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e🏆 Britain's Finest Winter Squash\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many kitchen gardeners, \u003cem\u003eCucurbita maxima\u003c\/em\u003e 'Crown Prince F1' represents the pinnacle of the winter squash season — a combination of extraordinary flavour, magnificent appearance, and outstanding keeping quality that no other variety quite matches. Grow it once and it is very likely to become a permanent fixture in your kitchen garden calendar, year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📖 \u003cstrong\u003eWant more detailed growing advice?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com\/blogs\/growing-guides\"\u003eView our Complete Growing Guide →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53651274924359,"sku":"SQS-CPR","price":2.28,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0859\/7051\/8343\/files\/Untitleddesign_7.jpg?v=1775331245","url":"https:\/\/naturalgrower.co.uk\/products\/squash-crown-prince-f1","provider":"Natural Grower","version":"1.0","type":"link"}