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Squash · Cucurbita pepo

Delicata Squash

Delicata Squash: 95 days to harvest, 7-12 days to germinate, 24-36 inches between plants between plants, pH 6.0-6.8, hardy in zones 3-11. Fruit runs to about 24". Give it full sun (6+ hours) and 1-1.5 inches per week, even moisture water. It will crop in a container.

Squash
95days to harvest
7-12days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easy to Moderatedifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost. Plant seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, even moisture
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Spacing
24-36 inches between plants
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Cream with dark green longitudinal stripes
Size
24"
Shape
Oblong, cylindrical with slight taper
Flavour
Sweet and creamy like sweet potato with hints of corn

In the kitchen

Roasting with skin on, stuffing, rings, fries, soups, salads

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, aphids
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, squash mosaic virus
Resistance
Susceptible to powdery mildew, moderate disease resistance overall

Planting calendar by USDA zone

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

Companion planting

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

NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids
MarigoldsDeters squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and nematodes with natural compounds
RadishesRepels squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, planted early as deterrent
CornProvides natural trellis support and creates beneficial microclimate
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil benefiting heavy-feeding squash plants
CatnipStrongly repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and flea beetles
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides general pest deterrent properties
SunflowersAttracts beneficial predatory insects and provides wind protection

Avoid

PotatoesBoth are heavy feeders competing for nutrients, potatoes may harbor similar pests
FennelInhibits growth through allelopathic compounds that stunt squash development
Aromatic herbs (Sage)Strong essential oils can inhibit squash germination and early growth

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
26
Protein (g)
0.52
Fat (g)
0.2
Carbohydrate (g)
5.64
Sugars (g)
3.54
Vitamin C (mg)
4.5
Vitamin E (mg)
0
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.058
Folate (µg)
22
Calcium (mg)
9
Iron (mg)
0.17
Magnesium (mg)
10
Phosphorus (mg)
12
Potassium (mg)
205
Zinc (mg)
0.07
← PreviousAcorn Squash (Table Queen) Next →Yellow Crookneck Summer Squash

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 Delicata Squash suits these too.

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