Acorn squash
Small, ribbed winter squash with sweet flesh for roasting.
Acorn squash seeds
£2.49 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
April–May indoors
Plant out
Leave fruit on the vine until skin hardens; cure in a warm, dry place.
Harvest
September–October
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6–8 hours a day.
Water
Deep and consistent watering, especially during dry spells and fruit development. Water the base of the plant.
Soil
Rich, fertile, well-drained soil, pH 6.0–7.0. A heavy feeder, so amend generously with compost or manure.
Spacing
At least 1.5 – 2 metres (5-7 ft) between plants for trailing varieties. Bush varieties need less.
Containers
Bush varieties can be grown in very large containers (minimum 60 litres/15 gallons) with regular feeding and watering.
Indoors
Start indoors 3-4 weeks before planting out in individual pots (e.g., 9cm) to give them a head start.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Feed with a balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks once fruits begin to form, switching to a high-potash feed later.
Pruning
For optimal fruit size and ripening in the UK, limit fruits to 3-5 per plant. Pinch out the growing tips of vines after the last desired fruit has set.
Harvesting
Leave fruit on the vine until skin hardens; cure in a warm, dry place.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place (10-15°C) for several months, often into winter. Do not store in the fridge.
Good companions: Corn, Beans, Radishes, Marigolds