Delicata Squash Seeds – 20 Seeds, Sweet Nutty Winter Squash (Cucurbita pepo)
Delicata squash is a beloved winter squash known for its sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Unlike many winter squashes, Delicata has a thin, edible rind, making preparation easy and reducing waste. Its small to medium-sized fruits are cylindrical with pale yellow skin and green stripes, and they store well for months. Delicata is a productive, easy-to-grow variety that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great choice for home gardeners and market growers alike.
With its compact vines and early maturity, Delicata squash is suitable for smaller gardens and can be grown in raised beds or containers. The fruits are excellent for roasting, baking, and stuffing, and their sweet flavor intensifies after harvest when cured. This variety is a favorite for fall and winter dishes, offering a delicious and nutritious addition to your table.
Plant Features
- Sweet, nutty flavor with creamy texture
- Thin, edible skin – no peeling required
- Compact vines suitable for small gardens
- Good storage ability for winter squash
- Reliable yields of 1-2 pound fruits
Growing Information
- Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo
- Plant Type: Annual winter squash
- Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with pH 6.0-7.0
- Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist
- Growth Habit: Compact vining
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-11 (grown as annual)
- Days to Maturity: 90-100 days
- Spacing: 24-36 inches apart
Planting & Care
Sow Delicata squash seeds outdoors after the last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 70°F (21°C). Plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills or rows, spacing 24-36 inches apart. For earlier harvests, start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before transplanting. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize lightly when vines begin to run.
Harvest when the rind is firm and the stem turns brown and dry. Cure fruits in a warm, dry place for 7-10 days to enhance flavor and storage life. Store in a cool, dry location (50-55°F) for up to 3 months. Monitor for common pests like squash bugs and cucumber beetles, and practice crop rotation to reduce disease pressure.
What's Included
20 Delicata Squash seeds (Cucurbita pepo).