Delicata Squash Information

Growing Delicata Squash

• Grow Delicata in sandy loam soil that retains moisture without becoming water logged. Plant seeds and transplants after the last frost and when the soil has warmed to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose from bush, semi-vining and vining varieties to match your available garden space. Keep weeds under control until the plants fill the empty ground space, shading the soil from sun and preventing weed seed germination. Plants need a minimum of 1.5 inches of water per week.

Pests and Diseases

• Spotted, banded and striped cucumber beetles, flea beetles and cutworms damage and destroy young Delicata plants. Two-spotted spider mites, melon aphids, squash bugs and beetles, pickleworm and squash vine borers are season-long pests that cause serious problems. Use barriers, pesticides and hand picking to control pests immediately to prevent damage and the spread of disease.

  Choose varieties resistant to diseases found in your area. Common Delicata diseases include Alternaria, black rot, Anthracnose, cucumber mosaic virus, downy and powdery mildew, Fusarium fruit rot and Fusarium wilt.

Harvesting and Storing Delicata

• Harvest Delicata when the curly tendrils dry out, stems are brown and its skin is hard to break with a fingernail. Wipe clean. Delicata does not require field curing like other varieties of winter squash.

  Store Delicata in a dry area such as a basement at 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Place Delicata in bins or on shelves and protect them from mice and other pests. Check the condition of stored squash weekly. Use up squash that have black or soft spots or mold. Delicata may be processed and frozen for prolonged storage.

Cooking Delicata Winter Squash

• Delicata's small size and heavy lobes make it difficult to peel. Slice the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and place in a baking pan. Add one-quarter inch of water to a baking pan and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 60 minutes. Alternately, cut Delicata into 2 inch cubes and steam it until fork tender.

  Use Delicata in soup and as a substitute for pumpkin in pies and cookies. Baking makes a drier end product, better for pies and cookies.