Delicata Heirloom Winter Squash Vegetable SeedsCucurbita pepoListing is for 1 packet of 15 seeds Check out my video tutorial on how to grow squash from seed to harvest: https://youtu.be/t-M1TY9np04 This is one of the sweetest varieties of winter squash that can be grown. Plants stay compact which is great for smaller gardens. Each plant produces an abundant supply of personal size oblong shaped squash. I love to slice them in half horizontally, add some butter and salt, then bake until soft. They should store for 3 months if kept in a dry and cool place. Follow me on social media because I talk a lot about the same seed varieties I sell here in my shop and gardening tips. IG, YT, and TikTok: jerrasgarden. Ideal Growing Conditions Sun: Full sun Water: Let the soil dry out a little bit in-between watering Fertilizer: Consistent applications of fertilizer is important to promote lots of new, healthy, green growth to outpace the diseases and pests. Amend the soil with some organic granular fertilizer like Espoma Garden-Tone before direct sowing the seeds. Or sprinkle some into the planting hole if using transplants. Apply 1/4 cup of this fertilizer every 10-14 days to keep the nutrient supply consistent. I don't recommend using a synthetic fertilizer when fertilizing this frequently. When & How To Sow Seeds: Direct sowing is preferred after your last spring frost date. In warmer climates can also direct sow at end of summer for a fall harvest. Sow 2-3 seeds in a mound, 1/2 inch deep, spaced 2FT apart, in rows spaced 3FT apart. Can also sow seeds indoors in 4 inch pots, 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date to get an early start. Germination: 5-10 days Days To Maturity: 60 days after direct sowing the seed How & When To Harvest: Harvest once the delicata squash is a tan color with distinct orange or dark green lines. The stem piece that attaches the squash to the main vine should be dried out and brown. Cut the squash off the vine with scissors, leaving a 2-3 inch piece of stem at the top (helps it store longer). Common Diseases: Squash get a lot of leaf diseases caused by pathogens like molds, fungus spores, bacteria etc.... It is very common, so dont worry. Spray with 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water to clean and disinfect. Repeat every 5 days or so as a preventative, or until you notice the spread of the disease has stopped. Common Pests: Critters like rabbits love to munch on newly germinated seedlings, so protection from small animals might be required. If you notice the leaves are chewed up and there are small black, green, or orange balls, worms/caterpillars are chewing up the plants. Spray with bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad to treat for the worms. Do I have a YouTube video tutorial on how to grow this? Not yet Additional Tips/Information: N/A
