Summer Squash Seeds, Pineapple
Pineapple Summer Squash cooked in tempura batter on a wood background. Image by Lucy Hutchins.
Pineapple Summer Squash arranged on weathered wood background. Image by Lucy Hutchins.
Young Pineapple Summer Squash with blooms still attached on a wood background. Image by Lucy Hutchins.
Mature stuffed Pineapple Summer Squash on a slate background.
Summer Squash Seeds, Pineapple
Pineapple Summer Squash cooked in tempura batter on a wood background. Image by Lucy Hutchins.
Pineapple Summer Squash arranged on weathered wood background. Image by Lucy Hutchins.
Young Pineapple Summer Squash with blooms still attached on a wood background. Image by Lucy Hutchins.
Mature stuffed Pineapple Summer Squash on a slate background.

Summer Squash Seeds,
Pineapple

4.512 ReviewsSKU: #SQ170Min. seed count: 20
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Description

(Cucurbita pepo). Young fruit are delicious as summer squash and mature fruit make incredible stuffed squash. In 1884, the Burpee's catalog introduced the Pineapple squash with much excitement. Burpees hailed it as one of the most fine-grained squashes around, well suited to cooking as an immature summer squash or as a mature winter squash. We have to agree! Countless seedsman offered Pineapple squash in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cream colored, fluted, acorn-type fruit has about ten finger-like ribs protruding from the sides of each squash. Also makes an excellent ornamental type for fall decoration. In 1885, James J.H. Gregory’s Retail Catalogue called it “a peculiar, striking-looking variety... Very fine grained and smooth to the taste.”

Growing Tips: Pineapple squash is an eye-catching heirloom variety with a bulbous shape reminiscent of a pineapple. This semi-bush squash thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and produces abundantly in warm conditions. It prefers plenty of room to sprawl or climb. Harvest young for tender flesh and a subtly sweet flavor that shines when roasted or sautéed.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita pepo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Bush
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
50–60 (summer); 90–100 (winter)
Planting Depth
1 in.
Plant Spacing
24–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Sow Pineapple squash seeds after the last frost date, once soil temperatures reach at least 70°F. For quicker harvests in shorter growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost and transplant once nighttime temperatures remain above 55°F. 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

Plant seeds 1 inch deep in rich, well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Space plants 36 to 48 inches apart or use mounds spaced 4–6 feet apart. Indoors, use peat or biodegradable pots to minimize root disturbance. Keep soil consistently moist during germination. Ensure good airflow and sunlight to reduce disease pressure.

How to Grow

Provide regular, deep watering at the base and avoid wetting the foliage. Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Fertilize with compost or organic plant food every few weeks. Train vines along a trellis if space is limited. Harvest fruits when young and bright for best texture and taste. Monitor for common pests such as squash bugs and cucumber beetles.

How to Save Seeds

Note that 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 save seeds from several varieties of the same species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.

  • Allow fruit to remain on the plant until it fully matures and the skin becomes hard.
  • Harvest and cure squash in a warm, dry area for 2–3 weeks.
  • Cut open the fruit and scoop out seeds, removing attached pulp.
  • Wash seeds thoroughly and lay them out in a single layer to dry.
  • Dry seeds for 2–3 weeks in a well-ventilated space before storing.
  • Store seeds in a cool, dry container labeled with variety and date.

FAQ

Is Pineapple squash edible or ornamental?

Pineapple squash is both edible and ornamental. While its unique shape and color make it visually striking, it also delivers a delicious, mild flavor and tender texture when harvested young.

Can I grow Pineapple squash vertically?

Yes. The semi-bush habit keeps Pineapple squash more compact than full-vining types, but it still prefers plenty of room to sprawl or climb. Give it a sturdy A-frame, trellis, or cage and tie the runners in as they lengthen, which lifts the fruit off the soil and keeps it clean. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart either way.

What does Pineapple squash taste like?

Despite its name, Pineapple squash doesn’t taste like pineapple. It has a subtle, sweet, nutty flavor with a firm texture, ideal for roasting, baking, grilling, or sautéing in savory dishes.

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