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Squash · Cucurbita pepo 'Golden Acorn'

Golden Acorn Squash

Golden Acorn Squash is a classic acorn shape with deep ridges squash with fruit around 1-2 pounds. Ready from roughly day 85-100. Germination takes 7-14 days. Space 4-6 feet apart at pH 6.0-7.0. Full sun (6+ hours). This one is a hybrid: buy seed each season instead of saving it.

Squash
85-100days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easy to Moderatedifficulty
F1 hybrid

Sowing

Direct sow after soil temperature reaches 60°F and all danger of frost has passed. Plant in hills.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture during fruit development
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
4-6 feet
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Bright golden-yellow exterior with pale orange flesh
Size
1-2 pounds
Shape
Classic acorn shape with deep ridges
Flavour
Sweet, nutty, and mildly earthy with smooth texture when cooked

In the kitchen

Perfect for stuffing, roasting, baking, soups, and fall side dishes

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, vine borers
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, mosaic virus
Resistance
Moderate resistance to common squash diseases

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.

NasturtiumsRepels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids while attracting beneficial predatory insects
MarigoldsDeters cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with their strong scent
RadishesRepels squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, can be harvested before squash needs space
CornProvides natural support structure and partial shade, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil to benefit heavy-feeding squash, completes Three Sisters companion trio
CatnipStrongly repels squash bugs and cucumber beetles with potent natural compounds
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides general pest deterrent with aromatic oils
SunflowersAttracts beneficial insects and pollinators while providing wind protection

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for similar soil nutrients and space, both are heavy feeders that deplete soil
FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth and development of squash plants
Aromatic Herbs (Sage)Strong essential oils can inhibit squash growth and development when planted too close

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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Similar varieties

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

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