Home/Plants/Acorn Squash

Acorn Squash

Cucurbita pepo var. turbinata

vegetable

A winter squash producing distinctive ribbed, dark green acorn-shaped fruits with sweet, orange flesh ideal for roasting and stuffing. Acorn squash is more compact than other winter squash varieties, making it suitable for smaller gardens. The fruits store well for 4–8 weeks and are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and minerals.

Acorn Squash

Common Problems

Select the problem your Acorn Squash is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

warning
Yellow Leaveschevron_right
warning
Wiltingchevron_right
warning
Pale Leaveschevron_right
warning
Slow Growthchevron_right
warning
Holes In Leaveschevron_right

Care Guide

light_mode
Light
Full sun; requires minimum 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for vigorous growth and fruit quality
water_drop
Water
Water deeply 1–2 inches per week; maintain consistent moisture during fruit development; reduce watering as fruits mature and begin hardening off
compost
Soil
Well-draining, fertile soil with pH 6.0–6.8; incorporate 2–3 inches of compost before planting; avoid compacted soil
science
Fertiliser
Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting and every 3–4 weeks; reduce nitrogen (5-10-10) once flowering begins to promote fruiting
thermometer
Temperature
Thrives between 65–85°F (18–29°C); requires 80–100 frost-free days; frost-tender; wait until soil is warm before planting
humidity_percentage
Humidity
Moderate humidity (50–70%); maintain good air circulation to reduce powdery mildew and other fungal diseases

Toxicity

check_circleSafe for Catscheck_circleSafe for Dogscheck_circleSafe for Children

Fruit is completely safe when cooked; seeds are edible; plant material and raw squash contain no toxic compounds

Common Diseases

coronavirusPowdery Mildewchevron_rightcoronavirusDowny Mildewchevron_rightcoronavirusLeaf Spotchevron_right

Common Pests

pest_controlSquash Bugschevron_rightpest_controlCucumber Beetleschevron_rightpest_controlSpider Miteschevron_rightpest_controlWhiteflychevron_right

Seasonal Care

local_floristspring

Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

light_modesummer

Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

ecoautumn

Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

ac_unitwinter

Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.