If you’re looking for a winter squash that’s easy to grow and even easier to cook, learning how to grow delicata squash is a perfect choice. This guide will walk you through every step, from seed to harvest.
Delicata squash, sometimes called the “sweet potato squash,” is a gardener’s favorite for good reason. Its creamy, sweet flesh has a hint of brown sugar and its thin, edible skin means no tough peeling. Unlike larger squash, delicata plants are more compact, making them great for smaller gardens. They also mature relatively quickly. With a little care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these striped beauties.
How To Grow Delicata Squash
This main section covers the complete growing journey. We’ll break it down into clear, manageable stages so you know exactly what to do and when.
Planning and Planting Your Delicata Squash
Success starts with good planning. Getting the timing and location right gives your plants a strong start.
When to Plant: Delicata squash is a warm-season crop. It’s very sensitive to frost and cold soil. You have two options:
- Direct Sowing: Plant seeds directly in your garden 1-2 weeks after your last expected spring frost, when soil temperatures have reliably reached at least 70°F (21°C).
- Starting Indoors: In regions with shorter summers, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before your last frost date. Use biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing roots during transplant.
Choosing the Right Spot: Squash are sun worshippers. Pick a location that gets a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sun, the better your harvest will be.
Soil Preparation: Delicata squash thrives in rich, well-draining soil. A few weeks before planting, work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot.
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
- Create small hills or mounds of soil about 3 feet apart. This improves drainage and warms the soil faster.
- In each hill, plant 4-5 seeds, poking them about 1 inch deep into the soil.
- Cover the seeds gently with soil and water them in well. Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds sprout.
- Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them to the 2-3 strongest plants per hill.
Caring for Your Growing Plants
Once your delicata squash is up and growing, a few key care practices will ensure healthy vines and lots of fruit.
Watering: Consistent watering is essential, especially when flowers and fruit are developing. Water deeply at the base of the plants, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of foliar diseases. Early morning is the best time to water.
Fertilizing: Feed your plants to support their heavy fruiting. When plants begin to vine, side-dress with a balanced, organic fertilizer or compost tea. A second feeding when fruits start to form can be very beneficial.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw or shredded leaves around your plants. Mulch supresses weeds, retains soil moisture, and keeps developing fruits clean and off the damp soil.
Pollination: Delicata squash produce separate male and female flowers. Bees and other pollinators are vital for transferring pollen. If you notice small fruits withering, it might be poor pollination. You can hand-pollinate by using a small brush to transfer pollen from a male flower to the center of a female flower (identified by the tiny squash at its base).
Managing Pests and Problems
Like all squash, delicata can face a few challenges. Catching problems early makes them much easier to manage.
- Squash Bugs: Look for clusters of bronze eggs on leaf undersides and remove them. Hand-pick adults in the morning.
- Squash Vine Borers: Watch for sudden wilting. You can slit the stem carefully to remove the borer or inject Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) into the stem.
- Powdery Mildew: This white, powdery fungus on leaves is common late in the season. Improve air circulation, avoid wetting leaves, and use an organic fungicide like neem oil if needed.
- Blossom End Rot: Caused by calcium deficiency often linked to irregular watering. Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent it.
Harvesting and Storing Your Delicata Squash
Knowing when and how to harvest is key to enjoying your squash all season long.
When to Harvest: Delicata squash is typically ready 80-100 days after planting. The rind will harden and turn a creamy color with dark green or orange stripes. A good test is to try pressing your thumbnail into the skin; if it resists puncture, it’s ready. The vine nearest the fruit will often start to brown and dry out.
How to Harvest: Use a sharp pair of pruners or a knife to cut the squash from the vine, leaving about 2 inches of stem attached. Never pull or twist it off, as this can damage the fruit and shorten its storage life.
Curing and Storage: Unlike some winter squash, delicata has a shorter storage life due to its thinner skin. After harvest, cure the squash in a warm, dry place (like a sunny patio) for about a week. This toughens the skin slightly. Then, store them in a cool (50-55°F), dry place. Properly cured and stored delicata can last for 2-3 months. Check them periodically for soft spots.
Tips for Success in Small Spaces
Don’t have a big garden? You can still grow delicata squash successfully.
- Container Growing: Choose a large container (at least 20 gallons) with excellent drainage. Use a high-quality potting mix and be diligent with watering and fertilizing, as pots dry out faster.
- Vertical Gardening: Train the vines up a sturdy trellis, arbor, or fence. Use slings made from fabric or old pantyhose to support the heavy fruits as they develop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to grow delicata squash?
From planting the seed, delicata squash takes approximately 80 to 100 days to reach full maturity and be ready for harvest.
Can you grow delicata squash vertically?
Yes, absolutely. Growing delicata squash on a trellis is a great space-saving technique. Just ensure the trellis is strong and provide support for individual fruits.
What are good companion plants for delicata squash?
Excellent companions include corn, beans (making a “Three Sisters” garden), radishes, marigolds, and nasturtiums. Avoid planting near potatoes.
Why are my delicata squash flowers falling off?
It’s normal for male flowers to fall off after blooming. Female flowers falling off before fruiting usually indicates a pollination problem. Encourage more bees or try hand-pollinating.
How do you know when a delicata squash is ripe?
A ripe delicata squash has a hard rind that you cannot easily pierce with a thumbnail, its color is deep and vibrant, and the stem begins to dry and turn brown.
Growing your own delicata squash is a rewarding experience that pays off with delicious, homegrown food. By following these simple steps—giving them sun, rich soil, consistent water, and a watchful eye—you’ll be well on your way to a succesful harvest. Remember, the flavor of a homegrown delicata, roasted until caramelized, is truly worth the small effort it takes to grow them. Get those seeds ready, and your garden will thank you.