We're here for the squash. As we round the corner and experience cooler and cooler overnight temperatures, it's amazing to see our winter squash continue to thrive. Once established in the spring and early summer, delicata squash plants are some of the best we grow, but they don't hold up as well as our butternut and acorn squash varieties. While the duration of their growing season depends largely on the variety, climate, and the care they receive, they're usually donezo when the first frost hits.
Growth and Harvest Period for Delicata Squash
Delicata squash is a winter squash, but unlike many winter varieties, it has a relatively short growing period, and it's not has hardy. Thank it's edible skin! It thrives in warm conditions and can be harvested 80-100 days after planting.
Delicata squash plants will continue to produce as long as temperatures are warm, and you can expect to harvest them in late summer to early fall. The squash ripens fully on the vine, and while you might be tempted to pick it early, it’s important to allow the skin to harden before picking.
As the growing season progresses, delicata squash plants may slow down due to factors like shorter daylight hours, cooler temperatures, or sheer exhaustion from producing fruit. You might have found that your best delicatas were harvested in August and early September. The late-season delicata squash may be smaller and slower to mature, particularly as temperatures begin to drop.
Key factors that influence how long delicata squash will grow and ripen include:
- Temperature and Frost: Delicata thrives in temperatures between 70-85°F. Once temperatures drop below 50°F, you'll notice that growth slows significantly. When the frost hits? Bye. In regions without frost, delicata squash can keep growing longer (they'll still be smaller fruit, but take what you can get!). Eventually, even in those zones, cooler nights and declining sunshine will eventually weaken the plant.
- Sunlight Availability: Like all squash plants, delicata needs plenty of sunlight—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. As the days shorten in the fall, reduced sunlight can slow down the ripening process and limit the plant’s ability to produce new squash.
- Watering and Nutrients: Be consistent with watering, but make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot. Consider applying rich compost or mulch in the fall to help retain moisture. Fertilizing in the fall can also help promote ongoing leaf growth and ripening.
Pests and Diseases: Squash plants are susceptible to pests such as squash bugs, aphids, and vine borers. If you've grown any kind of squash, you'll know that powdery mildew can also affect the plant’s ability to continue producing fruit. Protecting your plants early in the season with proper pest control and disease prevention will help prolong the growing season.
FAQ
How long will delicata squash store during the winter?
When stored in a cool, dry place, delicata squash can last anywhere from three to six months. Ideal storage conditions include temperatures between 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C) with good ventilation to prevent moisture accumulation. Be sure to check the squash regularly for any signs of spoilage; even if you're doing the best you can, soft spots or mold can affect them at any time.
Can you save delicata squash seeds?
Absolutely. While they're a thinner-skinned variety of squash (more so like yellow squash or classic zucchini), if you reserve a few seeds and dry them on a paper towel, you'll be able to plant them again next spring.
Will delicata squash ripen until winter?
Delicata squash needs warm weather to ripen, so once temperatures drop below 50°F, ripening slows significantly. Even in milder growing zones without the danger of frost, late-season squash may not reach full size or develop the signature firm skin if soil temperatures aren’t warm enough.
What should I do with unripened delicata squash at the end of the season?
As the season comes to a close and cooler weather sets in, you may have delicata squash on the vine that hasn’t fully ripened. If frost is approaching, harvest these squash and allow them to finish ripening off the vine. You can store them in a warm, sunny spot indoors, such as a windowsill or countertop, and the skin will continue to harden. Unripe squash can also be cooked and eaten immediately, though it won’t have the same storage life as fully matured squash.
