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When to Harvest Spaghetti Squash

Determining the ripeness of the spaghetti squash is very important. A ripe spaghetti squash can be stored longer and will have the best flavor. With days to maturity about 75-100 days after sowing, depending on the spaghetti squash variety, counting the days is an option to determine when to pick spaghetti squash. However, counting the days to maturity is not the best way to know when spaghetti squash is ready to pick. The time to harvest spaghetti squash may vary depending on several factors, such as weather and growing conditions, and even the heat waves that may affect the ripening process. Although spaghetti squash will continue to ripen after being picked from the plant, the best practice is to inspect and start to pick them at the best time to harvest. Gardeners should understand when spaghetti squash is ready to harvest and how to do it. This article summarizes all the tips you need to know to answer a widespread question among gardeners, when to pick spaghetti squash and how to know they are ready to harvest, including tips for how and when to harvest spaghetti squash. Let’s start.

Spaghetti squash is a winter squash; when cooked, its flesh resembles spaghetti. This squash has a slightly sweet flavor and combines very well with other foods. It is essential to harvest spaghetti squash at the right time to get the best taste and also to be able to store the spaghetti squash for a longer period.

So, when is spaghetti squash ready to pick? As a gardener, you should notice a few signs to understand when to harvest spaghetti squash. Let’s see the signs that we should be looking for as gardeners.

Days to Maturity for Spaghetti Squash Varieties

There is a wide variety of spaghetti squash that you can grow in your garden. Not all of these spaghetti squash varieties ripen in the same number of days. Some ripen in 75 days, and others in 100 days.

For example, Orangetti spaghetti squash is the fastest maturing variety, and in only 75 days can be harvested. On the other hand, Goldetti spaghetti squash takes between 100 and 120 days to maturity, so one must be more patient if growing this spaghetti squash.

It is recommended to read the seed package for the days to maturity for the variety you select and follow this article’s tips on when to harvest spaghetti squash.

When Is Spaghetti Squash Ready To Pick

Although measuring the size of the spaghetti squash is unnecessary, it may indicate that harvest time is approaching. Spaghetti squash is typically around 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) in length and 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) in diameter when mature.

It may sound obvious to say that spaghetti squash is ready to be picked when it has reached full maturity and developed its characteristic color and texture. There are some signs the gardeners should look for when inspecting their spaghetti squashes to understand when to harvest them.

First, look for consistent, deep yellow or golden color characteristics on the spaghetti squash. This color change indicates that the squash has ripened.

Then, gently press your fingernail against the spaghetti squash skin. If the skin is hard and cannot be easily punctured, it’s a sign that the squash is mature. The spaghetti squash should feel tough and resistant.

Finally, pay attention to the stem attached to the squash. As the squash matures, the stem may dry out and turn brown. The squash might not be fully ripe if the stem is still green and healthy-looking.

When to Harvest Spaghetti Squash

This article will explain how and when to harvest spaghetti squash correctly. Let’s delve into some guidance on the process of harvesting spaghetti squash.

When to Harvest Spaghetti Squash? When the spaghetti squash is golden yellow or dark yellow, it is time to harvest the spaghetti squash. But you should not only look at the color of your squash to know if it is the right time to harvest spaghetti squash.

You should also touch the skin of the spaghetti squash to see if it is ripe. Prick the skin of the spaghetti squash with your fingernail. If you notice that you can’t prick the skin of the spaghetti squash, it is ripe. The skin of the spaghetti squash must be hard to be harvested.

You will also notice that the vine slowly dries out as the spaghetti squash matures. You will notice that some leaves or sections of the vine begin to dry out. This is another way to know when to harvest spaghetti squash.

Please note that depending on the variety of spaghetti squash you select, it will take fewer or more days. Read on the seed package the days of maturity. Then check the color and firmness of the spaghetti squash to be able to harvest it.

Not all spaghetti squash from the same plant will ripen simultaneously. Only harvest spaghetti squash that is ready to be harvested.

when to harvest spaghetti squash
When to Pick Spaghetti Squash? To pick spaghetti squash, you should observe the color and hardness of the skin of the spaghetti squash.

You now know how to tell when spaghetti squash is ready to pluck and when to harvest it. Let’s look at some advice for picking spaghetti squash.

How to Harvest Spaghetti Squash

Now you know when to harvest spaghetti squash and how to know when it is ready to pick. Let’s see some tips regarding how to harvest Spaghetti Squash.

How to Harvest Spaghetti Squash? You already know when to harvest spaghetti squash which is very important to get the best flavor from spaghetti squash, but it is also important how to harvest spaghetti squash. Properly harvested spaghetti squash can be stored for a long time.

The best way to harvest spaghetti squash is with pruning shears or a sharp knife to make a perfect cut. Be sure to disinfect tools before harvesting spaghetti squash. Never try to pull the squash because it could damage the vine or the squash itself and could not be stored for a long time.

Leave a 3” to 4” (8 to 10 cm) stem on the spaghetti squash for longer storage. A short stem may reduce the length of time spaghetti squash can be stored. That is why I recommend that you use well-sharpened tools to make a perfect cut in the stem of the spaghetti squash.

Wear gloves when harvesting spaghetti squash if you have sensitive skin because the stems often irritate sensitive skin. Handle the spaghetti squash carefully to avoid damage affecting how long the spaghetti squash can be stored.

how to harvest spaghetti squash
How to Pick Spaghetti Squash? Always use sharp tools to pick spaghetti squash. This way, you will not damage the vine when picking spaghetti squash.

Store Spaghetti Squash After Harvest

Now you know how and when to harvest spaghetti squash and detect when it is ready to pick. Let’s see some tips for storing the Spaghetti Squash harvest.

If you are going to consume your spaghetti squash within a few days, curing is not necessary, but if you are going to store spaghetti squash for winter consumption, you will need to cure them. Clean the spaghetti squash with a dry cloth or brush, do not wash it or use a damp cloth because moisture is not good for curing and storage. If the spaghetti squash has any skin damage, do not cure it. Consume it as soon as possible. It is not recommended to cure a spaghetti squash with skin damage.

Curing spaghetti squash is very simple. Place the spaghetti squash in a well-ventilated place for approximately 14 days. It is best to place the spaghetti squash in a place that has good ventilation but is protected from rain.

After these 14 days of curing, you can store the spaghetti squash in a cool, dry place with a temperature between 50 and 55 °F (10 to 13 °C). Never stack spaghetti squash for storage because it may be damaged. It is also important not to store spaghetti squash near other ripe fruits, such as pears and apples, because these fruits release ethylene. Ethylene is a gas that accelerates ripening and may shorten spaghetti squash’s storage time.

Spaghetti squash can be stored for 3 to 6 months. You will be able to enjoy your spaghetti squash harvest for several months.

when is spaghetti squash ready to pick
Now you know how and when to harvest spaghetti squash and detect when it is ready to pick. Let’s see some tips for storing the Spaghetti Squash harvest. How to Store Spaghetti Squash? Spaghetti squash can be stored for 3 to 6 months after curing.

Final Thoughts Regarding Harvest Spaghetti Squash

Let’s see a couple of final thoughts about when to harvest spaghetti squash and how to know when it is ready to pick.

Harvesting spaghetti squash requires careful observation of the fruit’s appearance and consideration of the appropriate timing. When examining their spaghetti squashes to determine when to harvest them, gardeners should look for a few tips.
Check the spaghetti squash for a consistent, deep yellow or golden hue. Next, carefully push the spaghetti squash skin with your fingertip. A ripe squash will have firm, impermeable skin that is difficult to pierce. Last but not least, pay attention to the squash’s stem. The stem of the squash may dry up and become brown as it gets older. If the stem is still green and appears healthy, the squash may not be fully mature. Considering the above factors and guidelines will help ensure you harvest spaghetti squash at the right time, maximizing its flavor and texture.

I am sure that by paying attention to these harvesting signs, you will easily understand when the spaghetti squash is ready to pick. We hope this article on how and when to harvest spaghetti squash will be helpful.

Recommended Post: When to harvest buttercup squash.

About Henry Morgan

Henry Morgan is an agronomist horticulture founder of The Garden Style Company and The Garden Style Website. He previously worked for Mondelēz International as an Agronomist Engineer specializing in agricultural products management in highly populated areas. In 2000, Henry started working with farmer-producers in agricultural businesses selling wholesale fresh produce and retail plants in Van Buren, Arkansas. Nowadays, Henry lives in California, where he offers expert consulting services for organic vegetable gardening. As a science writer working with his wife, Julia, Henry shares his passion for gardening and farming, trying to reach and teach as many folks as possible.

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