Delicata Squash

Delicata Squash is small, easy-to-cook and is rich, creamy, and very versatile. Delicata gets its name from its uncharacteristically delicate skin for a winter squash. Delicata squash tastes deep, rich, and sweet - remarkably similar to sweet potatoes and is very easy to peel. When roasted until tender the skin is soft and edible like a summer squash. The vines are productive and relatively compact, yielding an abundance of 7- to 9-inch fruits that are just the right size for individual servings. Its thin skin is edible, eliminating the need for peeling, which adds convenience to meal preparation. Delicious roasted, in soups, pies, stews, and curries. It is also rich in vitamins A and C, B vitamins, carotenoids, and minerals.

Also Known As: Sweet Potato Squash, Bohemian Squash, Peanut Squash, Sugar Squash, Sweet Dumpling Squash, Early Delicata, Creamy Delicata, Striped Delicata, Honey Boat Squash, and Zephyr Squash.

Plant Name:	Winter Squash, Delicata
Latin Name:	Curcubita pepo
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	95
Plant Height:	1 - 2 Feet
Spread:	4- 6 Feet
Growth Habit:	Vining - Dwarf
USDA Zones:	3-9
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Squash grows best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 4 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Plant delicata squash in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil begins to warm. If fall planting, plant 8-10 weeks before the average first date in your area. Planting early ensures squash will mature before the first killing frost. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 2-3 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-3 seeds per hole, planting 2-3 seeds if choosing to thin to the strongest plant. When thinning, wait until seedlings grow 1-2 sets of leaves before determining the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	4-6 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants enough to keep them from wilting. If the weather is really dry, water squash plants at least once a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping squash plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeply to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: When blooms first appear, you may optionally apply a dressing of fertilizer, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Read and follow fertilizer instructions for best application. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Harvest Delicata Squash when the skin is firm and creamy yellow with dark green stripes, and the stem is hard and slightly shriveled, about 80-100 days after planting. To harvest, use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the squash from the vine, leaving about 2-3 inches of stem attached to extend storage life. Harvesting should be done before the first frost, as frost can damage the fruit and reduce its quality. Handle the squash carefully to avoid bruising or breaking the skin, and allow them to cure in a warm, dry place for 7-10 days if you intend to store them for longer periods.