How to Raise Acorn Squash
Squash comes in two varieties: summer and winter. Both are warm-season crops, which means they shouldn't be planted until the soil warms to at least 65 F. Summer squash includes zucchini, crookneck and patty pan. These squashes grow on bushes. Acorn squash is a winter squash, similar to the Hubbard and spaghetti varieties. Winter squashes grow on vines up to 10 feet in length. Winter squashes have harder skins and may be stored for longer periods of time. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Calculator
- Soil amendments
- Slow-release fertilizer
- Soil test kit
- Shovel
Instructions
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Count back from the average first date of frost in the fall. Contact your university extension program to find out when the temperature averages at least 70 degrees for a daytime high and no colder than 65 F for a low. Calculate the time available between those dates. For example, if the days are warm beginning July 1 and your first frost date is October 1, there is a 90-day growing period that's warm enough for acorn squash. That's enough time to plant from seed and produce a yield.
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Start the seeds inside if the growing season isn't long enough. Transplant the seedlings when the temperature reaches no less than 65 F.
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3
Select a sunny location that receives a minimum of six hours of sunlight; More is better.
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Test the soil with a kit if you have doubts whether your soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5. That's ideal for growing acorn and other squashes. Amend the soil with compost. Squash grows better in rich, well-drained soil; just add a 4-inch layer of compost or other organic material and a slow-release fertilizer and mix it well.
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Plant the three acorn squash seeds about 6-inches apart. Each group of seeds should be 5 to 6 feet apart. Thin to the strongest seedling after they're about 6 inches high. If you live where the soil becomes soggy, plant the seeds in hills or mounds.
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Water if there isn't 1 1/2 inches of rainfall per week. Additional watering may be necessary during hot dry spells. Squash leaves wilt when the weather is very hot, but that doesn't necessarily mean they need to be watered. The leaves should perk back up again when the sun goes down and in the early morning.
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Pollinate the female flowers by brushing the male flower's pollen if you're not getting much squash production. The female flower has a tiny squash right behind it. The male flower is on a thin stem. Pick the male flower. Remove the flower petals. Brush the center yellow anther with the pollen on the female flower's stigma. Don't worry, it's not that complicated. The anther and stigma both stick up in the center of the flower, just brush them against each other.
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Watch for powdery mildew. It's a light grey powdery substance on the leaves. Use a fungicide if the problem is severe. Insects include white flies, cucumber beetle, aphids and squash vine borers. Treat based on the type of pest.
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Harvest the acorn squash when it turns dark green and the bottom portion that rests on the ground turns from yellow to orange.
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Tips & Warnings
Acorn squash will keep in a cool, dry place for several weeks if the skin has hardened.
Don't pickup vines as you pick the acorn squash. This reduces yield.
References
- Photo Credit Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images
