Single Candystick Dessert Delicata Winter Squash on a white background.
Fresh and baked Candystick Dessert Delicata Squash on wood props with a grey background.
Stuffed Candystick Dessert Delicata Squash on a ceramic plate with raw fruit in the background.
A pair of Candystick Dessert Delicata Squash balanced in a wooden box.
Single Candystick Dessert Delicata Winter Squash on a white background.
Fresh and baked Candystick Dessert Delicata Squash on wood props with a grey background.
Stuffed Candystick Dessert Delicata Squash on a ceramic plate with raw fruit in the background.
A pair of Candystick Dessert Delicata Squash balanced in a wooden box.

Winter Squash Seeds,
Candystick Dessert Delicata

SKU: #SQ192Min. seed count: 20
Price
Regular price $4.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $4.00
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Description

(Cucurbita pepo). Sweetness infused with the rich flavor of dates sets this delightful winter squash apart. A honeyboat type, its dry flesh, smooth texture, and incomparable flavor make it perfect as the dessert course of any meal. Breeder and author Carol Deppe bred this variety for extra-sweet flavor, thick flesh, small seed cavity, and long storage life. The fruit matures to pale orange skin with green stripes, and there is some variation in its shape, a trait Carol attributes to the wide genetic diversity of squash. It also retains its sweetness in storage. We think this might just become your forever squash!

Growing Tips: Delicata squash grows best in full sun, 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, and well-drained, fertile soil. Regular watering and mulching are crucial to ensure healthy growth and prevent weeds. The ideal temperature for optimal growth is 70 F to 95 F.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita pepo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
90
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Plant Delicata squash after the last frost when soil temperatures are consistently above 65 F. In most regions, late spring to early summer is ideal for direct sowing. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost and transplant them outdoors once the soil has warmed. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/2-1 inch deep, spaced 18-36 inches apart, in rows 3-6 feet apart. If starting indoors, plant seeds in trays with a sterile starter mix, and transplant them outdoors once they are a few inches tall and all danger of frost has passed. Don’t let transplants become rootbound, and be careful not to disturb roots while transplanting. Delicata squash can also be grown in containers or raised beds, making it versatile for different garden setups​.

How to Grow

Maintain consistent moisture, especially during hot and dry periods. Water deeply once a week, focusing on the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks, preferably one lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium to encourage fruit development​.

How to Save Seeds

  • There are four different species of squash: Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata, and C. mixta. They will not cross pollinate with each other, so it is possible to grow one of each species for seed saving without worrying about cross pollination.
  • If you are planning to grow several varieties of more than one species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.
  • Whether it is a summer or winter squash, you must let the fruit completely mature before extracting the seeds, and cure for at least two weeks.
  • Scoop the seeds, place them in a bucket, and add just enough water to cover. Let sit at room temperature to ferment for two days before rinsing off the pulp.
  • Lay seeds out to dry on newspaper or paper plates.
  • Stored in a cool, dry place, seeds will remain viable for up to four years.

FAQ

Questions?

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