Delicata Squash — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Cucurbita pepo 'Delicata' |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 21.1–35 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 80–100 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 121.9–182.9 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 121.9–243.8 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Direct sow in warm soil after last frost in full sun in fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; Delicata is a compact, heirloom winter squash producing cylindrical, cream-colored to pale yellow fruits with distinctive green and orange-tan longitudinal stripes — an exceptionally attractive squash with outstanding flavor quality. The flesh is deep orange, very sweet, very dry, and intensely flavored — widely considered one of the finest-flavored winter squash cultivars, with a sweet, almost chestnut-like richness that needs little added fat or sugar when roasted or baked. The thin skin is completely edible after roasting — one of the few winter squash varieties where peeling is unnecessary. The manageable fruit size (6–9 inches long, 3–4 lbs) is practical for single-meal preparation. Delicata vines are more compact than most winter squash — the semi-bush to short-vine habit reaches 4–6 feet — making it more manageable in smaller garden spaces. In zone 9, the summer planting (late July–early August) for fall harvest generally works better than spring planting, as the hottest summer temperatures tend to prevent adequate fruit set. The fruit stores well at room temperature for 2–3 months. Squash vine borers and squash bugs are the primary pests; row covers at planting and prompt removal of egg masses help manage populations.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0