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Squash · Cucurbita pepo 'Fordhook'

Fordhook Acorn Squash

Fordhook Acorn Squash is a heirloom squash. Germination takes 7-14 days and fruit ripens from about day 85-100. Skin runs to dark green exterior with deep orange interior flesh. Water need is 1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture. Suits zones 3-11.

Squash
85-100days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easy to Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F, planting seeds 1 inch deep. Can start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost for earlier harvest.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil with good organic content
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
48-60 inches
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green exterior with deep orange interior flesh
Size
1-2 pounds, 4-5 inches long
Shape
Classic acorn shape with deep longitudinal ridges
Flavour
Sweet, nutty, and rich with dense, smooth texture

In the kitchen

Roasting, baking, stuffing, soups, side dishes, and winter storage cooking

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew
Resistance
Good general disease tolerance, typical heirloom resistance levels

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2——June – AugustOctober – September
3——June – JulyOctober
4——June – JulySeptember – October
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
MarigoldsRepels cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with strong scent
RadishesDeters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil
CornProvides natural trellis support and shade, part of Three Sisters planting
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil for heavy-feeding squash, completes Three Sisters guild
CatnipRepels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other common squash pests
DillAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control squash pests
SunflowersAttracts pollinators essential for squash fruit development

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders with similar root zones
FennelInhibits growth through allelopathic compounds, stunts squash development
BrassicasHeavy nitrogen feeders that compete directly with squash nutritional needs

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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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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