SQUASH - SPAGHETTI

Organic Squash Spaghetti

        10 Seeds Pack   

Spaghetti squash, botanically classified as Cucurbita pepo, was first recorded in Manchuria, China, around 1850. This distinctive winter squash variety belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, alongside pumpkins, zucchini, and gourds. It is also known as Vegetable Spaghetti, Noodle Squash, Mandarin Squash, and Vegetable Marrow, celebrated for its noodle-like flesh a characteristic attributed to a recessive gene.

Typically small to medium in size, Spaghetti squash measures about 30 cm in length and 15 cm in diameter, weighing between 4 to 8 pounds. It has an oblong, cylindrical shape similar to a melon, attached to a rough, light-brown stem. The rind is firm and smooth, transitioning from green to vibrant canary yellow or pale yellow as it ripens. Inside, the thick, dense, and moist pale-yellow flesh surrounds a central cavity filled with stringy pulp and flat, cream-colored seeds. The defining feature of Spaghetti squash is its unique flesh, which separates into long, translucent strands resembling angel hair pasta when cooked. These "noodles" have a tender texture with a slight crunch and a mild, subtly sweet flavour, making it a versatile ingredient in various culinary applications.

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