Acorn squash is a type of squash that belongs to the group of winter squashes, so called because of the time they can be stored. This type of squash is very tasty and rich in nutrients. Acorn squash can weigh between 1 and 2 pounds (450 to 900 grams). Learn when is acorn squash ready to harvest in this article.
Acorn squash grows well in USDA zones 3 to 12 and is ready to harvest in approximately 85 days. Continue reading to learn more about when is acorn squash ready to harvest correctly.
When Is Acorn Squash Ready to Harvest
When Is Acorn Squash Ready to Harvest? Acorn squash is ready to be harvested 85 to 90 days after planting. Not only should you pay attention to the number of days elapsed to know when is acorn squash ready to harvest, but you should also observe the skin and color of the acorn squash.
Observe the skin of the acorn squash that is in contact with the ground, the skin should be bright orange. If the skin of the acorn squash that is in contact with the ground is not bright orange, the squash is not ripe yet. The rest of the acorn squash will have a dark green color.
Also, you can look at the size of the acorn squash to see if you can harvest the acorn squash. Normally, acorn squashes are 5” to 8” (13 to 20 cm) in diameter. Approximately each acorn squash plant produces 6 to 8 acorn squashes.
Press with the fingernail on the skin of the acorn squash, if the fingernail leaves a mark on the skin of the squash is that it is still to ripen. The skin of the acorn squash will be hard when it is ready to be harvested.
Note that not all acorn squash will ripen at the same time. Note that the vine begins to dry out as the acorn squashes mature.
In summary, to know when is acorn squash ready to harvest, you should observe the color, size, and hardness of the skin of the acorn squash. Harvesting acorn squash at the right time will allow you to store the squash longer and get the best flavor.
How to Harvest Acorn Squash
How to Harvest Acorn Squash? To harvest acorn squash, you will need pruning shears or a sharp knife. Before cutting the acorn squash stems, disinfect your tools. It is important that the tools you use are sharp so as not to damage the vine, remember that not all acorn squash ripens at the same time.
Once you select the ripe acorn squash, cut the stem and leave a 1″ to 2″ (2.5 to 5 cm) stem, the stem will help the acorn squash store longer. Cutting acorn squash too close to the stem may cause the squash to become infected or an insect to enter through the stem.
Acorn squash that you observe that are not yet ripe should be left to ripen on the vine. If there is a risk of frost, protect the squash, or you may have to harvest them a little early. Continue reading to learn how to store acorn squash for a long time.
How to Store Acorn Squash
How to Store Acorn Squash? To store acorn squash for several months before storage, the squash should be cured. Select squash that has no damage or soft spots on the skin, squash that have any skin damage should be consumed and not stored.
Place the acorn squash in a cool, dry place with good ventilation, and avoid places where it can get wet in the rain. The curing process lasts 10 to 14 days, and the ideal temperature for curing acorn squash is 80 to 85 °F (27 to 29 °C). Do not stack squash for curing, or it may be damaged.
Once the acorn squash has been cured, it can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place. The ideal temperature for storing acorn squash is between 50 and 55 °F (10 to 13 °C). Also, do not stack the squash to store them for several months because it could be damaged and ruined more quickly.
Acorn squash can also be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months, but you must cook the squash first. Boil the squash or cook it as desired. Once cooked, place the acorn squash in an airtight bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Final Conclusions
Now you know when acorn squash is ready to harvest, which will help you get more flavorful acorn squash. Of course, harvesting acorn squash at the right time will help you store the squash longer. Remember to always use sharp, disinfected tools to pick acorn squash.
I hope this article about when is acorn squash ready to harvest will be useful. Get your acorn squash seeds at West Coast Seeds. We recommend our other articles about harvest squash:
