Delicata, Squash Seeds

Delicata Squash Seed

Exceptionally sweet flesh makes this heirloom unforgettable
Cream-striped fruits create naturally portionable meals
Historic 1894 introduction remains a stuffing favorite
One-to-three-pound squash offer rich high-sugar flavor

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Cucurbita pepo

Days to maturity

100 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

25 Seeds

About Delicata, Squash Seed, Squash Seed

The Delicata is a very distinct squash that has a delicious, sweet taste. This variety is a high sugar content squash with fruits that weigh in from 1-3 lbs. each. This old heirloom was introduced in 1894 by Peter Henderson and Co.. The Delicata is a favorite for its very sweet flavor that is great for cooking, especially stuffing.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Days to Germination

4–10 days

In-row plant spacing

24-36"

Row Spacing

Plant profile

Maturity

Summer

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

12-18"

Growth Habits

Vining, Trailing

Type

Delicata

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

488

Color

Cream, Green

Seed Type

Heirloom

Growing Season

Warm-Season Crop

Before Planting

Squash grows best in a full-sun, warm location with fertile, well-drained soil and ample space for vines. Incorporate compost and correct nutrients according to a soil test, then shape raised beds or hills where drainage is slow. Wait until the soil is warm, and install trellises before planting if squash will be trained vertically.

Planting

Squash can be direct-sown after frost when soil reaches about 65–70°F, or started indoors 3–4 weeks earlier in individual cells. Keep the medium warm and evenly moist until emergence. Harden seedlings gradually and transplant without disturbing the sensitive roots. Space bush summer squash 18–36 inches apart and long-vining winter squash 6–10 feet apart.

Watering

Maintain even soil moisture for squash during bloom and fruit development, providing about 1–2 inches weekly when rainfall is short. Deep, soil-level watering supports uniform fruit and reduces stress without keeping the bed saturated.

Fertilizer

Side-dress squash with balanced fertilizer after establishment and again as flowering or fruiting begins. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage while reducing flowers, fruit, or maturity.

Harvesting

Harvest squash when fruit reaches the variety’s expected size, color, and firmness. Cut or twist gently without damaging stems, and pick regularly so overmature fruit does not slow continued production.

Tips

Train squash vines onto sturdy supports when practical, securing heavy fruit with slings. Remove row covers once flowering begins, and hand-pollinate if fruit starts swelling then aborts.

AVG. Seeding Rate

200 seeds/100'; 15,000 seeds/acre

Pests & Diseases

Powdery and downy mildews, bacterial wilt, Phytophthora blight, gummy stem blight, and mosaic viruses affect squash. Plant resistant varieties, rotate cucurbits, control cucumber beetles, and avoid saturated beds. Remove permanently wilted or mosaic vines and discard fruit with water-soaked, sunken, or expanding lesions.

Squash is especially vulnerable to squash bugs, vine borers, and cucumber beetles, with aphids and mites possible in hot weather. Exclude early pests with row cover, then uncover for pollination and scout frequently.