Gold Star Squash

Gold Star Squash is a hybrid, summer squash variety with improved disease-resistance. This semi-crookneck variety offers exceptional production coupled with intermediate resistance to powdery mildew and cucumber mosaic virus. Fruits are abundant and consistently uniform, averaging 5.5-6" long with a 1.5-1.75" diameter at peak harvest size. Gold Star Squash has a smooth, glossy skin and reduced spines which leads to less damage during harvest. Due to the improved disease-resistance package, this is a great variety for a late spring or early summer succession planting

Squash may be direct seeded or transplanted, although we highly recommend direct seeding. To ensure a good stand, we recommend planting squash seeds every 12" along the intended row. Once plants emerge, thin plants to one every 2 feet. Squash can be susceptible to plant diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew if leaves receive excess moisture. As a result, we recommend using drip irrigation on squash to reduce plant moisture and feed plants more effectively. During periods of heavy rainfall, using a fungicide like Liquid Copper can help to alleviate disease pressure as well.

Squash are a crop that will require multiple harvests throughout the growing season. Regardless of variety, squash will have better flavor and texture when harvested on the small end of the spectrum. We recommend harvesting every 2-3 days to ensure no fruits become too large and unpalatable. When squash plants cease production, remove the plants from the garden to prevent any fungal spores from overwintering and becoming a problem in future years. Proper crop rotation is extremely important with all squash varieties to reduce disease and pest pressure.

Gold Star Squash Planting Information

Planting Method: direct seed

When to Plant: after last frost

Planting Depth: 1/2"

Seed Spacing: 18-24"

Row Spacing: 5-6'

Days to Maturity: 45

Disease Resistance: Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Powdery Mildew