Delicata Squash (Heirloom, 97 Days)

Heirloom 1894. A favorite of many Pinetree employees, Delicata Squash is a good choice for the home gardener. The vines are relatively compact. Fruits average about 8” in length, are half as wide, so they are a good size for a meal. Color is a creamy green with length-wise darker green stripes. Flesh is an attractive orange and flavor is very sweet. As a bonus, Delicata Squash is also a very good keeper for a small squash and the flavor even seems to improve as the winter passes.

15 seeds

PLANTING

Cucurbita pepo

Germination: 7-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-85ºF

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2-1" deep

Sowing Indoors: 3-4 weeks before the last frost. Provide 70-85ºF soil temperature. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Sowing into individual biodegradable peat/cow pots reduces root damage when transplanting. Transplant after the last frost, 36-48" apart. 

Sowing Outdoors: Sow after the last frost when the soil temperature is over 70ºF. Sow a few seeds every 36-48". 

How much does a packet plant: 12-15 foot single row, 3-5 hills

Harvest: Before heavy frost. Determine ripeness when the skin has turned color and becomes dull and dry. You will be unable to create a dent when pressing your thumbnail into it. Leave two inches of the stem on the squash and manage carefully so there is no damage which can shorten storage life. Cure for 7-10 days in the sun to harden the rind and increase storage quality. Wipe any debris off skin before storing it in a cool dark place with 50-55ºF temperatures and 50-65% humidity.

Tips: Plant Delicata Squash in fertile soil, amended with compost or well-rotted manure, and keep well watered. They benefit from growing on black plastic and using row covers for weed, insect control, and more rapid growth.