Delicata Squash

Cucurbitaceae

1894 heirloom, also known as 'peanut squash' or 'Bohemian squash.' THE thin-skinned winter squash — SKIN IS EDIBLE (no peeling needed), uniquely easy to prepare. Sweet, nutty flavor similar to sweet potato. Do NOT cure — store immediately. Best trellis candidate among winter squash (1-2 lbs). Very productive — 7-10 fruits per plant. Green stripes turn orange in storage. Stores 2-3 months.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

80–100 days

Sun

6+ hours

Container

Yes

10+ gallon pot

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 5–14 days

Optimal Temp 85°F

Seed Depth 1"

Watering

Weekly Water 1–2 "

Needs High

Soil

pH Range 6–6.8

Resilience

Heat: High Cold: Low Drought: Medium

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Heavy feeder

Recommended Recipes Worm castings topdress, Compost tea, Kelp foliar

Harvest

Cream background develops orange flecks/tinge

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Sources

horticultural Sustainable Market Farming — Delicata Varieties university UMass Extension university Colorado State University Extension — PlantTalk: Warm season vegetables (frost tender, best growth temps) university Iowa State University Extension — Yard and Garden: Winter Squash (curing) university University of New Hampshire Extension — Growing vegetables: when to plant (zucchini/winter squash timing) university Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia State University) — Companion Planting in Gardening (Three Sisters) university Oregon State University Extension — Plan now to harvest and store pumpkins and winter squash

More Vegetables

Delicata Squash Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Delicata Squash vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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