Winter Squash Growing Guide

Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima)

Winter squash is harvested at full maturity, typically when the rind has hardened, the fruit has developed its mature color, and the stems begin to dry. Unlike summer squash, which is harvested while immature, winter squash is grown for mature fruit that can be stored for several months or longer depending on the variety and storage conditions.

Winter vs. Summer Squash

The terms “winter” and “summer” squash can be misleading because both are warm-season crops. The difference primarily refers to maturity at harvest and storage. Summer squash is harvested immature, while winter squash is allowed to fully mature and develop a hard rind suitable for longer-term storage.

Types of Winter Squash

Acorn Deeply ridged fruit tapered at one end, typically with a dark green rind and firm yellow flesh. Fruit generally weighs 1–3 lbs., with both bush and vining types available.

Butternut & Waltham Butternut Cylindrical fruit that commonly bulges around the seed cavity, with light tan rinds, orange flesh, and a vining growth habit.

Buttercup & Turk’s Turban Turban-shaped squash with rinds that may display green, orange, gray, or multicolored striping and medium-orange flesh.

Spaghetti Squash Also called vegetable spaghetti. The cylindrical fruit is generally 8–9 inches long and develops distinctive stringy flesh when cooked.

Hubbard Generally rounded fruit tapering toward the blossom end, with rough bluish-gray to green rinds and orange-yellow flesh.

Temperature

Sow winter squash in late spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. A minimum soil temperature of approximately 62°F for treated seed and 70°F for untreated seed is recommended.

Important: Squash seed is particularly susceptible to rotting when planted into cool, wet soil. Allow soil conditions to warm sufficiently before planting.

Soil

Winter squash performs best in fertile, well-drained soil. Good drainage is particularly important during germination and early plant development.

Planting

Winter squash, particularly vining types, generally requires a growing period of approximately 80–120 days to reach full maturity. For vining squash, approximately 2 pounds of seed per acre may be required.

Earlier Production: Squash may be seeded or transplanted into plastic mulch with trickle irrigation. This can help warm the soil, conserve moisture, reduce weed growth, advance harvest, and improve overall yield.

Spacing

In the Row 24–60 inches apart

Between Rows 72–120 inches apart

Vining varieties generally require more room for proper growth and air circulation. A common commercial layout provides approximately 5–8 feet between rows and 2½–5 feet between plants within the row.

Harvest

Harvest winter squash before a heavy frost, once the fruit has reached full maturity, the rind has hardened, and the stem has begun to dry. Cut the stem approximately 1 inch from the fruit rather than pulling or twisting the squash from the vine.

Handle With Care: Treat mature winter squash like eggs. Bruising, cuts, or other rind damage during harvest and handling can reduce storage life and increase the risk of decay.

For More Information

→ University of Georgia – Commercial Squash Production

→ Auburn University – Winter Squash

→ Oregon State – Squash, Pumpkin, and Winter

→ Printable Version

Winter Squash

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