Winter Squash

small yellow pumpkin shaped squash still on the vine

Squash are classified into two groups depending on their shelf life. Winter squash have hard rinds and will keep for up to six months. Thus, they can be stored and eaten in the winter, when—in the northern states—the weather is too cold for harvesting fresh squash.

Summer squash, however, have much thinner rinds. They don't stay fresh and must be eaten shortly after harvesting. Up north, harvest time for these thin-skinned crops was at the end of the summer, thus the name "summer squash."

Here in subtropical Florida, summer is definitely not the time for squash. They don't usually do well in the intense summer heat or in the rainy season. In subtropical climates, both summer and winter squash are planted and grown in the cooler months. If you're hoping to grow a squash through the warm season, consider a tropical variety like Seminole pumpkin, calabaza, or chayote.

Characteristics

Winter squash are typically vining plants that require considerable growing space. Like cucumber, watermelon, and other members of the cucurbit family, these vines have large, wide leaves. Squashes also have separate male and female flowers and most require pollination by bees. Both the male and female flowers are yellow and bell-shaped. You can tell them apart by looking at the reproductive structures found in the center of the petals.

Two yellow squash flowers with their reproductive parts circled in red

Squash, female (L) and male blossoms (R). Rachel Mallinger, UFIFAS.

Popular types of winter squash include butternut, acorn, pumpkin, and spaghetti. They usually have orange or yellow flesh, and come in many flavors, shapes, and sizes. They're very nutritious and provide vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Acorn squash varieties that do well in Florida include 'Table King', 'Table Queen', and 'Table Ace'. Butternut squash varieties for Florida include 'Waltham' and 'Early Butternut'. Look for varieties that advertise disease resistance.

Planting and Care

In North Florida, plant winter squash between February and April in the spring or between August and September in the fall. For gardeners in Central Florida, January through April and August through September are the planting seasons. In South Florida plant winter squash anytime between August and March. Squash plants will not survive a freeze, so keep your estimated first frost date in mind as you plant. If you sow seed later in the planting season, consider choosing an early harvest variety.

Sow squash seeds directly into the soil in a location that receives at least six hours of sun per day. Because of their vining growth habit, squashes require plenty of space to grow. For small gardens, build a trellis, or look for bush or semi-vining types.

If your plants are not setting fruit, poor pollination may be the problem. Planting flowers nearby may help attract wild bees. Avoid using pesticides that may deter pollinators, too. If fruit set is still low, hand pollination is another option. For more on pollinating squash by hand, see "Home Vegetable Garden Techniques: Hand Pollination of Squash and Corn in Small Gardens."

Green squash plant with many leaves covered a white powdery fungus

Squash plant with powdery mildew. .

Caterpillars, white flies, and squash vine borers can quickly damage your winter squash crops. Fungal and bacterial infections are also common in the warm, wet months of the year. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) works well to combat caterpillars that commonly attack squashes. Be proactive and scout regularly if you'd like to keep your harvests yields high.

Squashes are ready to harvest about 85–120 days (three to four months) after you sowed your seed. The skin on the squashes should be hard, not easily pierced with your fingernail. Often the stem will harden and dry out, too.

For more information on growing winter squash please contact your county Extension office.

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