- There are many varieties of winter squash and most of them grow well in a broad range of climates. Some of the more popular winter squash varieties are acorn, delicata, spaghetti, butternut and true winter. Winter squash grow in vine, semi-vine or bush varieties and many are open-pollinated, meaning they are pollinated naturally by bees, birds, insects and animals. Some reproduce by hybrid pollination and some are hand pollinated to control certain traits.
- Winter squash are best planted in the spring after the last frost since the seeds don't germinate well in cold soil. No matter the variety, seeds should be planted about one inch below the surface of the soil. From the time of planting to the time of harvest, the seeds begin to accumulate nutrients from the soil and sprout, and then grow into the full form that they were intended for. Each seed carries the blueprints for how it will mature into an adult plant. Winter squash generally take about 80 to 100 days to mature and grow fruit that is ready for harvest.
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Many people do not realize that squash are flowering plants. Winter squash grow both male and female flowers, usually large yellow or orange ones, along the same vine and attract insects for cross pollination. In this way, the squash keep reproducing.
According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension Program the size of the squash (the fruit of the plant) is strongly related to bee activity. Flowers are open for only one day and generally just for the morning hours. If trying to grow a lot of squash, a gardener may have to increase bee activity by setting up some hives in addition to the wild bees of the area. Mature squash fruit stores well over long winter months, hence the common name.
