Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570

— · Texas-Grown

Squash, Delicata

$4.00


Delicata Squash is a compact, semi-bush winter squash producing creamy yellow, oblong fruits striped with green and orange. Its flesh is sweet, smooth, and nutty – requiring no peeling – making it one of the most popular and easy-to-prepare winter squashes. Its shorter vines make it more manageable for smaller gardens and it matures relatively quickly (approximately 80-100 days).

At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Delicata Squash transplants are grown for compact habit and reliable production suited to Central Texas’s fall growing season.

Care Instructions
Watering
Moderate water needs through fruit development Reduce watering as fruits mature Drip irrigation preferred
Fertilizing
Balanced organic fertilizer at planting Lower nitrogen, higher potassium at fruiting Side-dress with compost every 3-4 weeks
Pruning & Maintenance
Hand-pollinate if needed Limit fruits per vine for best quality Harvest when skin is fully hardened; store in cool, dry location Note: Delicata does not store as long as other winter squashes (2-3 months)
Common Issues
Squash vine borers Powdery mildew Cucumber beetles Squash bugs
Fall planting (late July-August) strongly preferred to reduce vine borer and disease pressure Use row covers in spring through first flowering Short vine habit makes it easier to manage in smaller Austin gardens Harvest when skin is fully hardened and cream-colored with green stripes
Seasonal Notes
Spring
Plant March-April; susceptible to squash vine borers – monitor closely
Summer
Avoid midsummer planting
Fall
Preferred planting season; plant late July for October harvest
Best Time to Plant in Austin
Spring: March-April Fall: Late July-early August (preferred) Ideal soil temperatures: 65-85 F
Sun Requirements
Full sun Minimum 6-8 hours daily
Spacing
24-30 inches apart; rows 5-6 feet apart More compact than most winter squash
Soil
Well-draining, fertile soil Compost-amended beds preferred pH 6.0-7.0
Watering After Planting
Water deeply at transplanting Keep evenly moist through establishment and fruit set
Corn Beans Nasturtiums Marigolds Borage Dill Radish Oregano
Winter squash is generally considered non-toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Feed only cooked, unseasoned flesh in small quantities. Raw rind and seeds may cause digestive upset.


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