Ancient Seeds – Gete Okosomin

Posted bynancyonthehomefrontPosted inGardeningTags:,
finding gete okosomin seeds

As you know we spent the month of October in Keystone, South Dakota. We met a lot of interesting people including a man named David who works with Native Americans. He had a wonderful story to tell us about a squash called Gete Okosomin.Gete okosomin

The seeds of the Gete Okosomin were discovered in 2008 during an archeological dig on a Menominee reservation near Green Bay, Wis. The seeds were found in a clay ball, used for storing seeds. These squash seeds eventually were given to Winona LaDuke, a longtime advocate for native food sovereignty. She called the squash Gete-okosomin, an Anishinaabe word that roughly translates to “really cool old squash”.  Gete okosominThe White Earth Land Recovery Project grew fifty of them, and now have seeds to share with Native communities across the North Country. Now the squash is served to elders, children, and used for ceremonies at White Earth.Gete okosominThe vines of the squash can grown to over 25 feet long and the squash themselves can grow up to three feet long and 18 pounds.

David was given some of the seeds and had to opportunity to grow them himself.

Gete okosomin
Gete okosomin

He had brought one of his squash with him to Keystone. The squash was cooked up and shared one night. This pre-Colombian squash is delicious: hints of melon, terrific texture, and abundant flesh.Gete okosomin There was plenty for all to enjoy and the seeds were dried and shared with everyone who attended the Keystone Training.Gete okosomin seedsStories of seed savers are so interesting. I love hearing how certain varieties of seeds have been saved for hundreds of years. I am so honored to have been given some of these special seeds and will grow them carefully to preserve the purity of the seeds. I have only six seeds but I can’t wait to try growing them in our Vermont garden next year.

For those that are interested there is an update to this post HERE. As well as this article which was sent to me.

508 thoughts on “Ancient Seeds – Gete Okosomin”

  1. Would really like to get some of these seeds to use in our brief (but sun-filled) summer in Alaska, working with native youth!
    Many Thanks
    Craig

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  2. I would also love some seeds! My mother is an agriculture advocate in California and is very interested in ancient foods. I would be happy to pay postage/etc.!

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  4. What an amazing story and being able to grow them yourself! I would love to be added to the list and try them out here in california.

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  5. This would be a wonderful squash to cultivate and use to feed the hungry. After all, that’s why they grew them 800+ years ago. I would love to buy some seeds when they are available. Let me know. Much appreciated.

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  6. Aloha no kakou –

    What an amazing success story!

    Is anyone selling these seeds? I would sure like to know how they would do at my house here in South Kona, HI (elev. 2200 ft), and don’t expect any freebies.

    Looking forward to hearing from you, whether there will be any of these available or no.

    Me ka ha`aha`a,

    Chris

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  7. Greating from south France! Nancy Nancy Nancy, i too would be very happy to receive a few seeds for myself and others here in europe. i will gladly send you money via paypal! thank you for your time!

    ps. what is know about this plant in regards to soil type, temperatures, amount of sun and watering?

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  8. Do you know where I could obtain seed of the Gete Okosomin Squash. I thank you for any information. I’m attempting to expand our food supplies. My daughter has become intolerant of genetically altered foods.
    Thank You,
    Pamela Lynch from Florida

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  9. Please, can I buy some of these seeds (10 or 12)? I will pay the amount you will ask me. My wife knows well squash and she told me inside orange color squash is very beneficial for health and I really need.

    Thanks to answer to my request.

    Jerry

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  10. I would also be very interested to grow it in Québec Canada. Please let me know where can I buy these feeds.

    Thanks you much appreciate

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  13. I grow over 200 varieties of plants, many of which are very rare. I am a seed hoarder, if you will. I would love to attempt a grow this squash in zone 9b, in the Orlando area. I would also be interested in a seed sharing endeavor, should one be desired. I would be excited to obtain a single seed, if it is at all possible. I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration.
    Marvin Gill

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    1. Cher,
      If I hear that they are available commercially I will let you know, in the meantime I will add you to my list!

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  15. Hi Nancy …I can see by all the requests that this seed could be very popular…I am from Alberta Canada….& would love to get my hands on some of these seeds….If you have any ideas where all please let me know…I tend to keep my seeds over if I don’t get frost…
    Blessings

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    1. Debbe,
      I will ad your name to my list. As far as I know these seeds are not available commercially yet! It I hear anything I will let you know!

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  16. Nancy – along with all the others, I am interested in acquiring some gete-okosomin seeds. I have a friend who lives near Red Wing MN with native heritage. She is an avid gardener and I would love to gift some to her (I will happily buy them). Please let me know if/when seeds become available. Thanks!!

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    1. Tom,
      I’ve added your name to the list and I will let you know when I have seeds or when I hear of them available elsewhere!

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  17. Oh, this is so fascinating and wonderful. I have a home garden in Asheville, NC, and would also love to grow this squash. If you have any seeds to spare, I could send you money for postage. I could also give you some peppermint roots from my grandpa’s mint farm. The strain of field mint is not invasive like the cultivars of today. He farmed this mint in the late 1940s, and my horticulturist cousin has kept the plants going all of this time.

    Happy gardening!

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  18. Nancy,
    I am from Cootamundra, NSW, Australia and would like to try and plant these in our environment in my Fathers Vege Patch. They would be gifted to him
    If this is possible please contact me 🙂

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      1. I live in Grass valley, California, and would also love to have a seed or two. One for my dad and one for myself. I wonder if it would taste like our accidental cross between a pumpkin and a zucchini. Sweet, but crisp, somewhat tart. If you know of anyone selling these seeds, would you please let me know?

        We’d absolutely love to try! 🙂

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  19. I would love to try these on Long Island. Is it possible to get some. I could share them locally after the first crop

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  20. As a Native American myself, I would love to purchase some of these seeds to keep the squash continuing on and share the wealth with others.

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  21. Would love to use these seeds to teach science to kids here in Florida. Also, teach how important it is to grow your own food.

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  22. I live in Andalusia, Spain, and I would like to try to cultivate these fascinating pumpkin in our mediterranean climate. I could share them with some seeds bank that protect the cultural and biological diversity. If it is posible to send some seeds here, tell me please.

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  25. Hello

    Please put me on the list as well. (I hope you can see my e-mail address). I would like to gift a couple of seeds to a good friend. I am of course willing to pay for shipping and the seeds.

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  26. Hello Nancy,
    I am also interested in a source of seeds. I live in the Greats Lakes area of Ontario. This would be a great thing to plant at my daughter’s school – some great teachers who would love this- and we could give you back seeds. And I would love a seed or 2. All the best, Jen

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  27. Well I would like to be put on the list as well. I live in MASSACHUSETTS and would as all these people before and sure as the ones to follow be more that excited to recive what ever could come my way. I’m sure your going to be over whelmed with request but thank you for reading them.

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  30. Please add me to your list as well if its not too big already. I’d love to grow and share these here in the South East Washington State area. I get plenty of sun!

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  31. Hey Nancy,

    What a great story! I would love to try my Green Thumb here in the fertile Northern California Valley. Could I please be added to your list? Thanks!!!

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  35. A bit late to the party, but if possible would love to be added to the list! Here in the south and would love to see how it would grow here!

    Thanks so much!

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    1. Matt,
      You’re name is on the list. Stay tuned for updates, if I hear of the seeds being offered elsewhere I will let you know!

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  36. What an interesting story! I would love to grow them in my garden in Holland (Netherlands). If you are willing to send them overseas, I’d like to be added to the list as well. I’d be happy to pay the postage off course!

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  37. Hi there! We live in Kansas and grow a lovely big garden every year for friends and family. We’d love to hear if you find out the seeds have become available! Many thanks in advance! Jeanne and Joe

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  39. Nancy, would love to try and grow these and spread the seeds here in South Africa. I can reimburse you for postage if it is possible to send any. Thanks. Werner van Wyk, Cape Town.

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  40. Hello,

    Please add me to your list as well! I would love to get a few seeds for my kids’ elementary school life-lab garden in Santa Cruz, CA. It could be the basis for an amazing lesson in Native American history, horticulture, and the amazing power of seeds. Thank you for sharing this information!
    ~Jesse

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  41. Hello from Oregon! Could I also have my name added to the list? I would like to be a part of keeping this piece of history and culture alive!

    Thank you!

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  42. Hi Nancy!!

    Could you add me to your list also? I’m in central Missouri and
    Would love to share the seeds here! Thank you!! Brian R

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  43. Hi Nancy,

    What an amazing gift to grow this squash! I see that there is already quite the list but I would sincerely appreciate being added to the list for even a single seed. We are also in Vermont and love to grow winter squash.

    Best wishes and take care,
    Jessica Visnesky

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  44. Hello. I am in Virginia and really enjoy growing endangered/historic vegetables. I would love to grow this beautiful squash. Having Native American ancestors makes it that much more special. When do you think seeds will be available? Is there a plan to offer these?
    Thank you!

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  45. This is so awesome, we also have a home garden and love squash! Would love to buy some seeds if they are ever available to purchase. I have family here in South Dakota that are Sioux indians and would love to try.

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  47. Would love to try to see if this squash will grow in North Carolina. Please let me know when they will be available for sale and how much they will cost. Also, add me to your list.

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  49. Hallo , Is there anyone out there who could sent me a couple of these seeds to get them growing over here in England ..with a view to sharing out to others eventually too ? Pleeeeeease ? : )

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