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Squash · Cucurbita pepo 'Carnival'

Carnival Acorn Squash

Carnival Acorn Squash is a hybrid squash. Germination takes 7-10 days and fruit ripens from about day 100-110. Skin runs to cream base with green and orange stripes and splashes. Water need is 1 inch per week, deep watering. Suits zones 3-11. As a hybrid it will not breed true; saving seed from it is not worth the space.

Squash
100-110days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easy to Moderatedifficulty
F1 hybrid

Sowing

Direct sow 2 weeks after last frost. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, deep watering
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil with organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
36-48 inches
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Cream base with green and orange stripes and splashes
Size
1-2 lbs, 4-6 inches long
Shape
Acorn-shaped with deep ridges
Flavour
Sweet, nutty, slightly buttery with smooth texture

In the kitchen

Stuffing, roasting, baking, soups, side dishes

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash vine borer, cucumber beetles, squash bugs
Diseases
Bacterial wilt, black rot, downy mildew
Resistance
Good powdery mildew resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
3——June – JulyOctober
4——June – JulyOctober
5——May – JuneSeptember – October
6——May – JuneSeptember – November
7——April – JuneSeptember – October
8——April – MayAugust – October
9——March – AprilJuly – September
10——February – AprilJuly – August
11——January – MarchJune – July
12——January – MarchJune – July
13——January – MarchJune – July

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

CornProvides natural trellis for squash vines and creates beneficial microclimate
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil that squash can utilize, part of Three Sisters planting
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles
MarigoldsRepels aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes with strong scent
RadishesDeters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles when planted around squash
CatnipRepels squash bugs, aphids, and cucumber beetles more effectively than DEET
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides general pest deterrent
SunflowersAttracts beneficial predatory insects and provides partial shade

Avoid

PotatoesBoth are heavy feeders competing for nutrients, potatoes can harbor similar diseases
Aromatic HerbsStrong herbs like rosemary and sage can inhibit squash growth through allelopathy
MelonsCompete for space and nutrients, share common pests and diseases like powdery mildew

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
40
Protein (g)
0.8
Fat (g)
0.1
Carbohydrate (g)
10.4
Fibre (g)
1.5
Vitamin A (µg)
18
Vitamin C (mg)
11
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.154
Folate (µg)
17
Calcium (mg)
33
Iron (mg)
0.7
Magnesium (mg)
32
Phosphorus (mg)
36
Potassium (mg)
347
Zinc (mg)
0.13
Selenium (µg)
0.5
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Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the squash growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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Similar varieties

Other squash with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Carnival Acorn Squash suits these too.

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