"Winter Squash Delicata Vegetable Seeds, Heirloom Sweet Flavor Ideal for Baking and Roasting

Winter Squash Delicata Seeds – Growing Guide

Key Attributes

Product Name: Winter Squash Delicata Vegetable Seeds
Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO
Growth Habit: Vining variety, compact compared to other winter squashes
Mature Size: 8-10 inches long, 3-4 inches in diameter
Days to Maturity: 90-100 days
Flavor Profile: Sweet, nutty, and creamy—often compared to sweet potatoes
Hardiness: Heat-tolerant, drought-resistant once established
Light Requirements: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil (pH 6.0-7.0)
Uses: Baking, roasting, stuffing, soups, and purees

Planting Instructions

Direct Sowing (Preferred Method)

• Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost when soil temperature is at least 65°F (18°C).
• Plant seeds 1 inch deep, spaced 3-4 feet apart in rows 5-6 feet apart.
• If using hills, plant 3-4 seeds per mound and thin to the strongest 2 plants once seedlings establish.

Indoor Sowing (For Short Growing Seasons)

• Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost.
• Transplant seedlings outdoors once they have 2-3 sets of true leaves and temperatures remain above 55°F (13°C).

Care & Maintenance

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Deep watering is recommended.
• Fertilization: Apply compost or a balanced organic fertilizer at planting and again mid-season.
• Mulching: Helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Support: Can be trellised for space-saving growth, but typically sprawls on the ground.

Harvesting

• Squash is ready when the skin hardens and resists puncture with a fingernail.
• Cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a 2-inch stem for better storage.
• Cure in a warm, dry place for 7-10 days before storing in a cool, dark area. Properly cured squash can last for several months.

Pest & Disease Control

• Common Pests: Squash bugs, vine borers, cucumber beetles—use row covers or neem oil.
• Common Diseases: Powdery mildew, downy mildew—ensure proper spacing for airflow and avoid overhead watering.