Mashed Potatoes Acorn Winter Squash Seeds

Sowing Info

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°-85°F.

When to Start Inside: Not recommended except in very short growing seasons, 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground. Transplant when soil temperature is at least 60°F.

Days to Emerge: 5- 10 days

Seed Depth: 1/2"-1"

Seed Spacing: 2-3 seeds per mound

Row Spacing: 3'-4'

Thinning: When 3 leaves, thin to 1 - 2 plants per mound

Growing Info

Harvesting: Harvest when the squash's rind is hard enough that you can't dent it with your fingernail and before first frost. Cut stem, (don't break it off) leaving 2" of stem attached, which keeps the squash whole, leaving no opening for infection. Though fruits are hard and may seem indestructible, treat them gently; bruising can spoil squash. Harvesting Blossoms: Look for pollen-producing flowers that have long stems and harvest just before use (fruit-producing flowers have a very small, developing squash at the base of the flower and shorter stems).

Special Care: To help protect plants against common pests like squash vine borer and cucumber beetles, use floating row covers, and remove covers when plants begin flowering. To further protect against vine borers, you can also cover the base of the stems near the ground with mulch, foil, or fabric material, as the base of the stem is where insect eggs are laid. Squash plants are susceptible to fungal disease, too, so make sure plants have ample space for air circulation. Sowing pollinator-attracting plants near squash can assist in proper pollination, resulting in a bigger harvest and well-shaped fruit.