SQUASH - DELICATA

Organic Squash Delicata

        10 Seeds Pack   

Introduced in 1894, the Delicata squash, also known as Bohemian squash, Peanut squash, and Sweet Potato squash, has gained acclaim among squash enthusiasts. Its distinctive features include a thin, delicate skin and a sweet, rich flavour. What sets Delicata squash apart is its versatility; its thin skin can be consumed along with the flesh after cooking, eliminating the need for removal. Typically small to medium in size, Delicata squash averages 12-15 centimetres in height and 5-7 centimetres in diameter. It boasts a long, narrow, cylindrical shape with grooved skin and lines that run the length of the squash. The thin, smooth skin has a creamy yellow base with green or orange vertical stripes. The flesh is firm, thick, fine-grained, and exhibits a yellow to orange hue, with a central, hollow cavity containing stringy pulp and numerous flat, hard, cream-colored seeds.

      PLANTING & GROWING

Soaking should be carried out at least a few hours before planting, and ideally overnight. To prevent damping off when initiating seed growth indoors, it is crucial to disinfect all pots, plastic grow trays, seed cells, and seedling tray covers before reusing them.

For indoor sowing, use pots from April to June or sow directly from mid-May to the end of July, ensuring a minimum temperature of 20°C (68°F) for germination. Fill 7.5cm (3in) pots with compost, firm gently, and sow seeds on their sides, not flat, for reliable germination. Plant seeds at a depth of 12mm (½in) and cover lightly. Optionally, sow two seeds per pot and later remove the weaker seedling, keeping only the strongest. Label the pots, water gently, and place them in a propagator or on a sunny windowsill. Germination usually occurs within 10 to 14 days, though higher temperatures may shorten this to 4 to 6 days. After germination, seedlings grow quickly and may need repotting almost immediately.

Outdoor sowing is less ideal, as seeds may fail to germinate in cold soil, and young plants are vulnerable to chilly temperatures. If sowing outdoors, plant two or three seeds 2.5cm (1in) deep on their edges under cloches or glass jars, spacing plants 45 to 60cm (18 to 24in) apart. Remove the weaker seedlings as they grow.

Squash requires moderate to high water levels. Keep seedlings moist but avoid overwatering. Mature plants thrive in consistently moist soil, and if they appear wilted in the morning, water deeply immediately. Wilting during the hottest part of the day is normal. As fruits mature, reduce watering to prevent rot.

To enhance pollination, plant flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums nearby to attract bees. These flowers may also help repel common squash pests. Ideal companion plants for squash include sweetcorn, beans, lettuce, peas, pumpkin, radish, and melons. Avoid planting squash near potatoes or Brassica species, as they are heavy feeders and may compete for nutrients, hindering growth.

You should not plant squash in the same spot for more than one year in a row