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Squash · Cucurbita pepo 'Table King Bush'

Table King Bush Acorn Squash

Table King Bush Acorn Squash is a classic acorn shape with deep vertical ridges squash with fruit around 1-2 pounds, 5-6 inches across. Ready from roughly day 85-95. Germination takes 7-14 days. Space 4-5 feet apart at pH 6.0-7.0. Full sun (6+ hours). It will crop in a container. This one is a hybrid: buy seed each season instead of saving it.

Squash
85-95days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil is 65°F or warmer. Can start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, reduce near harvest
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil with good organic content
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
4-5 feet
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green with deep orange flesh
Size
1-2 pounds, 5-6 inches across
Shape
Classic acorn shape with deep vertical ridges
Flavour
Sweet, nutty, and smooth with hints of butter and honey

In the kitchen

Roasting, stuffing, soups, purees, baking, and as a bowl for other ingredients

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, vine borers
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew
Resistance
Good resistance to powdery mildew

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
MarigoldsDeters cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with natural compounds
RadishesRepels squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil
CornProvides vertical structure and shade, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil for squash, completes Three Sisters companion system
CatnipStrong repellent for squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture
SunflowersAttracts beneficial insects and provides windbreak protection

Avoid

PotatoesCompetes for nutrients and space, may harbor similar soil-borne diseases
Aromatic herbs (strong)Plants like sage and rosemary can inhibit squash growth through allelopathy
BrassicasHeavy feeders that compete for nutrients, may stunt squash development

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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