Winter squash Delicata
Cucurbita pepo
 
Unique appearance with cream skin and dark green longitudinal stripes and flecks. Tastes very sweet and skin is tender enough to eat. Excellent for stuffing and baking, even right at harvest! This beautiful strain has gained a nice following in the specialty produce trade. 7–9" long x 3" diam. Avg. weight: 1 1/2–2 lb
 
Details:
Plant lifecycle: annual
Site: full sun
Dys to maturity: 90-100
Seed depth: 1/2-1"
Plant spacing: 6-10"
Row spacing : 18-24"
Approx seeds per packet: 30
 
CULTURE:
Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8 is best. Plastic mulch and fabric row covers (AG-19 grade) can aide plant establishment and exclude insect pests during the seedling stage. Row covers should be removed when plants begin to flower. Poor fruit development may indicate insufficient pollination.
 
TRANSPLANTING:
Sow 2-3 seeds per 2" container or plug flat about 3 weeks prior to transplanting. Thin to 1 plant/container or cell with scissors. Harden plants 4–7 days prior to transplanting. After danger of frost has passed, transplant out according to the spacing recommendations for each variety. Handle seedlings carefully; minimal root disturbance is best.
 
DIRECT SEEDING:
Sow 2 seeds at the appropriate spacing interval for the variety's vine length, 1/2-1" deep. Thin to 1 plant per spacing interval after seedlings are established.
 
HARVEST:
Fruits  should be harvested before any hard frosts. Cut fruits from vines and handle carefully. Sun cure by exposing fruits for 5-7 days or cure indoors by keeping squash at 80-85°F/27-29°C with good air ventilation.

STORAGE:
Store at 50-60°F/10-15°C, 50-70% relative humidity and good ventilation. Repeated exposure to temperatures below 50°F/10°C may cause chilling damage. Delicatas can be eaten right out of the field after harvest and will keep up to 4 months in storage.