Winter Squash Growing Guide

Previously known as Curcubita mixta, this winter squash family is the least commonly known for consumption among the 4 categories. This family of squash are mostly the blue and white pumpkins and also include the Cushaw squash and the Japanese Pie Pumpkin.

Acorn squash, Delicata, Sweet Dumpling, Spaghetti squash, and Algonquian all belong to the pepo family. They typically mature the fastest because of their smaller size and will usually store 2-3 months, the least of all 4 families but don't require curing. The tighter growth habit makes the pepo family ideal for raised beds.

The maxima family is known as the "monsters of pumpkins" and includes cultivars like the Red Kuri, Hubbard, Kabocha, and Giant Pumpkins. This family is the most difficult to grow because they attract pests more than others, making excellent trap crops. They store 3-4 months and are long vining so they need lots of room.

Known as one of the easiest to grow of the 4 families, some popular moschata varieties are Butternut, Cherokee Tan, Seminole, and Watham squash. These need to be cured for 6-8 weeks and are medium to long vining so they need lots of dedicated space. This family can store the longest, from 4-6 months.

Because of their smaller size, plant and row spacing for the pepo family can be smaller than in other families.

This is a single butternut squash plant from the moschata family.  As you can see, their growth habit is much wider than pepo.

These Blue Hubbard squash plants from the maxima family can easily take up 6-10 feet of space per plant. 

Row Spacing – 3 to 4 feet
Plant Spacing – 12 to 24 inches
Planting Depth – 1/2 inch

Row Spacing – 2 feet
Plant Spacing – 12 to 18 inches
Planting Depth – 1/2 inch

Row Spacing – 5-6 feet
Plant Spacing – 18 to 24 inches
Planting Depth – 1/2 inch

Winter squash should be harvested when the plants fully die back and the fruits obtain their full color but have since gotten dry and dull-looking. If your winter squash is still bright and shiny, it’s likely still immature. Stem hardness is also an indication of fruit maturity. Once the stems completely harden and the skin is hard to scratch with your fingernail, fruits are ready for harvest. Use a set of pruning shears or loppers to make a clean cut and ensure that the stem doesn’t get damaged and introduce harmful bacteria while in storage. Be sure and leave a 3-5 inch stem for curing. The ideal time to harvest is before the first frost of the year and before temperatures drop into the 40’s at night. While winter squash is cold-hardy, they tend to store better long-term if harvested prior to frosty weather.Once your winter squash has been harvested, 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 winter squash varieties to reduce disease and pest pressure. 

While not all winter squash like the pepo family has to or even should be cured like acorn squash, curing your winter squash properly is vital for long-term storage. Curing is simply the process of allowing moisture to leave the squash, concentrating sugars, and letting the skin get hard to prevent the flesh from rotting. 
Regardless of the variety, always check your harvested squash prior to curing for any bruises, cuts, or damaged stems, separate them from the rest, and plan to use those first. Also be sure to remove any squash blossoms that may be left behind from the field.
The average time to cure winter squash is between 10-14 days. Be sure and check that the skins are completely hard and can’t easily be nicked with a fingernail and also that the stem is completely dried out. Once your winter squash meets these specifications, it is likely good to eat. 

Arrange your winter squash in a single layer in a well-ventilated area that is out of direct sunlight. Winter squash stores best when kept around 55ºF and away from moisture as much as possible. 
Each family of winter squash has a different shelf life depending on the variety you grow. Knowing their average shelf life will help you plan on which squash to preserve to make them last longer or go ahead and eat.