Summer squash on a dark surface with a white cloth

Cucurbita spp.

Squash - Summer

In the diverse family of squash are true nutritional powerhouses, encompassing a wide array of forms, flavors, colorations, and culinary applications. Squash are rich in the carotenoids necessary for vitamin A production and boast a wide complement of amino acids. While starchy, most of the carbohydrates in the fruit come from special polysaccharides, pectins, which have exhibited strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic, insulin-regulating properties.

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The Growing Guide

Soil Temp for Germ 65–85°F
Seed Depth 1–1 ½"
Seed Spacing 3–4/hill
Days to Emergence 5–10
Thin Plants to 1–2/hill
Row Spacing 3–6'
Fertilizer Needs Medium
Minimum Germination 75%
Seeds per Gram Patty Pan: 7-10 • Romanesco: 4–5 • Yellow Summer: 7-15 • Zucchini: 5-8
Seed Life 3–4 years

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More About The Seeds & Plants

Summer Squash Disease Resistance Key

Cucumber Mosaic Virus Viral disease causing mottled, distorted cucumber leaves.
Powdery Mildew
Papaya Ringspot Virus Viral disease causing ring spots, distorted cucurbits.
Squash Leaf Curl Virus Viral disease causing leaf curling, yellowing, stunted growth.
Watermelon Mosaic Virus Viral disease causing mosaic patterns, stunting.
Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus Viral disease causing yellow mosaics, stunted growth.

* Numbers indicate specific disease race.

More About

Cucurbita spp.

Days to maturity are from date of direct seeding.

Culture
• Fertile, well-drained soil gives best results
• Squash is a warm season crop, so avoid planting too early; raised beds and plastic mulch help keep roots warm
• Squash are monoecious (bearing separate male and female flowers on the same plant) and require insect pollination
• Poor fruit set is often the result of inadequate pollination; plant bee attractant flowers

Direct Sowing
• Plant after frost danger when soil warms to 65°F
• Work in shovelful of compost and 1/2 cup TSC's Complete fertilizer into hill
• Keep soil evenly moist but not wet as too much moisture causes seed to rot
• Bush varieties: sow 3-4 feet apart
• Vining varieties: sow 4-6 feet apart

Transplanting
• Start indoors 3-4 weeks prior to anticipated transplant date in 4 inch pots
• Work in shovelful of compost and 1/2 cup TSC's Complete fertilizer into hill
• Transplant carefully as to not disturb roots

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Spotted and striped cucumber beetles, vine borers and squash bugs
• Insect control: Row covers and/or apply Pyrethrin
• Moschata species are resistant to vine borer
• Common diseases: See chart below; diseases vary by region
• Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation, and fungicide applications

Harvest & Storage
• Harvest regularly when fruits are young to keep the plants productive
• Harvest before they are too large as they will have large seeds, fibrous or watery flesh, and hard skin
• Squash blossoms are also edible. - harvest day before they open - choose male flowers as it won't hurt yield of fruit
• Remove too-large fruits, even if you will not use them, to help keep plant productive
• Do not disturb plant when harvesting and do not harvest when plant is wet
• Use a sharp knife when harvesting. Do not break the squash off the vine as it may damage the plant.
• Leave about an inch of stem on the fruit when harvesting
• Harvest before the first frost in the fall as summer squash is easily damaged by frost
• Store unwashed in the fridge for up to 10 days
• Summer squash can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Wash the squash then cut into rounds. Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes, then cool in ice water for 3 minutes. Drain and pat dry, then store in a freezer-safe container

Approximate seeds per gram
• Patty Pan: 7-10
• Romanesco: 4–5
• Yellow Summer: 7-15
• Zucchini: 5-8

KEY TO SQUASH DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE
HR indicates high resistance.
IR indicates intermediate resistance.
CMV | Cucumber Mosaic Virus
PM | Powdery Mildew
PRV | Papaya Ringspot Virus
SLCV | Squash Leaf Curl Virus
WMV* | Watermelon Mosaic Virus
ZYMV | Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus
* Numbers indicate specific disease race.

Tried and Tested

Our Favorite Summer Squash

Cash Machine is an employee favorite for its impressive productivity and consistent, high-quality harvests. The compact plants produce glossy, dark-green zucchini with tender texture and rich flavor. Easy to grow and quick to mature, it’s a reliable, garden-to-table favorite all season long.