Spaghetti Squash
- Sun: Full sun
- Harvest Size: 1 to 3 pounds
- Days to Harvest: 82
- Plant Size: Long vine
A squash that looks like spaghetti on the inside? Yes! The exterior of spaghetti squash is hard and white to yellow, similar to butternut squash, but the inside has stringy lengths of slightly sweet flesh that can be used like spaghetti for low-cal dishes. Each plant yields 4 to 5 fruits.
Winter squash is frost-sensitive. Plant in late spring after all danger of frost is passed. In cooler regions, warm the soil first using black plastic, then cut holes for planting. Harvest squash before the first frost.
Plant spacing: 4 feet apart. Plants per person: 1 to 2 for fresh and storage.
Secrets to Success »
Give your butternut vine plenty of room to run. Save space by growing it on a fence or trellis. Winter squash grow much like summer squash but require even more sun, food, and water. Prepare the soil with a 3-inch layer of compost and a time-released or organic fertilizer. Water well, and feed with Bonnie Herb & Vegetable Plant Food.
Harvest and Use »
Let all winter squash fully ripen on the vine for better storing. Harvest when the exterior is tough enough to resist puncturing by your fingernail. Wipe squash clean and store for several week. Cut spaghetti squash open lengthwise. Steam or bake and scoop out the cooked flesh with a fork. Use the stringy flesh like spaghetti and mix with tomato sauce or pesto, or use it in a frittata with onion and herbs.
Try These Garden Companions »
- Other winter squash: Blue Hubbard, buttercup, butternut, acorn.
- Red, white, or yellow onion.
- Flat Italian parsley, oregano.