Delicata squash is a member of the same family as zucchini: Cucurbita pepo. It is commonly assumed to be a wintertime squash due to the fact that it is picked later in the season; however, its tender peel indicates that this is not the case. While it is a much more successful squash today, it had a shorter lifespan when it was initially launched in 1894.
Because of this, growers found it to be a less consistent crop, and it was unable to compete favorably with other types of squash, ultimately leading to its near-total extinction. The Delicata is a variety of squash that has a cylinder shape and a skin that is predominantly cream in color with green or orange stripes running vertically.
It can also be referred to as the bohemian squash, peanut squash, and sweet potato squash. These fruits are native to Central and North America, and it was the indigenous people of those regions who first shared them with the European immigrants.
Where are Delicata Squash Plants Cultivated?
Planting Delicata, which is grown in the summertime and picked at the beginning of autumn, is something that should only be done once it is absolutely certain that all chances of frost have gone and the temperatures have been consistently over 70 ° Fahrenheit for five days in a row
In an area that receives full sunlight throughout the day, seeds should be placed into mounds of dirt at a depth of one inch, with one to six seeds planted into each mound. Make sure the tops of your mounds are level, then add a layer of compost that is at least three inches thick so the seeds will have access to nutrients.
Plant your seeds with sufficient distance between each one to allow for their future growth. If you do not immediately have an outside location set up for your Delicata, you may also sow the seeds inside and later move them to the mounds (if you have experience in transplanting seeds).
If you do not immediately have an outdoor place set up for your Delicata, you can also sow the seeds indoors. Each mature Delicata squash weighs somewhere between one and two pounds.
How to Cultivate a Delicata Squash Plant
Growing Delicata squash is not nearly as challenging as one might initially believe. The growing season is predominantly summer, and it takes approximately 80–100 days for the plant to reach its full maturity.
Water Consistently
To begin, thoroughly saturate the mounds with water. Because they will be exposed to the sun's rays for the majority of the day, you will need to ensure that they do not dry out before the seedlings appear. As soon as they reach a size that is manageable, remove all but the largest three plants from each mound and replace them with new ones.
You should only water the plant as it needs it until it is ready to be harvested; a deep shower one time per week should be plenty. When it is ready, the skin will turn a delicate cream hue, which will be your cue to know that it is done.
Harvest Your Plant
The average weight of a mature Delicata is between one and two pounds. When the skin of the squash has changed to a wonderful cream color and it has developed its orange and green stripes, the crop may be ready to pick at this point. Try scratching the skin with your fingernails to verify this. When it comes time to pluck it, you'll know it's ready because it won't dent and the stem will be bone dry.
In order to harvest the squash, cut it with pruning shears that have been sterilized, leaving at least 1 inch of the stem intact to the squash. It is possible for the harvest time for delicata to begin in the late summer and continue all the way through the month of October.
Common Pests & Diseases
In the end, you will need to keep an eye out for diseases and vermin. The most prevalent insects are squash bugs, that can be eradicated using a variety of techniques, such as hand-picking, row coverings, or insecticidal soap. Squash bugs feed on the seeds of squash plants.
Powdery mildew is the more prevalent ailment that needs to be watched out for, so keep an eye out for that. You can protect your plants from powdery mildew by ensuring that they have adequate air circulation and keeping them at a distance from one another. You can also water the plant early in the day to give the leaves enough time to dry out before it gets dark.