Squash Seeds (Organic) - Acorn Table Queen

Acorn Table Queen Organic Squash is a delicious, versatile winter squash variety that is easy to grow and perfect for both culinary and ornamental purposes. Known for its rich, sweet flavor and attractive shape, the Acorn Table Queen squash has dark green skin with pale orange-yellow flesh, offering a delightful taste that makes it a favorite for roasting, baking, or stuffing.

Key Benefits

• Sweet, Nutty Flavor: The flesh is sweet, slightly nutty, and tender, making it ideal for roasting, mashing, and even soups or pies.
• Compact Size: The small to medium size of the Acorn Table Queen squash makes it ideal for small gardens or containers.
• High Yield: This variety produces multiple fruits per plant, ensuring a generous harvest for your kitchen.
• Organic: Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, making it a healthy, eco-friendly option for your garden.
• Storage Friendly: Acorn squash stores well in a cool, dry place for several months, making it perfect for fall and winter meals.

Variety Features

• Appearance: Acorn Table Queen squash is easily recognized by its distinctive, ribbed shape and dark green skin. When ripe, the skin darkens, and the flesh becomes a rich golden-orange color.
• Flavor: The flesh is firm and sweet with a slightly nutty flavor, ideal for roasting or baking.
• Size: Typically grows to 5-6 inches in diameter and weighs 1-2 pounds per fruit, making it easy to handle and store.
• Maturity: The squash matures in about 85-100 days, with fruits that are ready to harvest when the skin is firm and the color has deepened.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Warm Weather: Plant your Acorn Table Queen squash after the last frost when the soil temperature is at least 60°F (16°C).
• Sun Requirements: Squash needs full sun, so select a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

Planting Details

• Sowing Depth: Plant seeds about 1 inch deep into fertile, well-drained soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds 36-42 inches apart in rows, with 4-6 feet between each row, as the plants will spread.
• Soil: Squash thrives in rich, loamy soil that is slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Add compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Water the plants regularly, especially during the fruit-setting and growing phases, but avoid overwatering or letting the soil stay soggy.
• Watering Technique: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can promote fungal diseases.

Light

• Full Sun: Squash plants require full sunlight to grow optimally. Ensure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day for best results.

Temperature

• Acorn squash thrives in warm temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C-29°C). Avoid planting too early in cold soil, as frost can damage the young plants.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Acorn squash is ready to harvest when the skin becomes hard and deep green (with hints of orange), and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped.
• Harvest before the first frost to avoid damage to the squash. Allow the squash to mature fully on the vine for the best flavor.

How to Harvest

• Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the squash from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached to reduce the risk of rot.

Storage

• Short-Term: Keep Acorn Table Queen squash in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area for up to 1 month.
• Long-Term: For longer storage, keep squash in a cool (50-55°F or 10-13°C), dry place. With proper care, Acorn squash can last up to 3 months.

Culinary Uses

• Roasted: Cut in half, remove the seeds, and roast with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple, delicious side dish.
• Stuffed: Stuff the hollowed-out squash with grains, meats, or vegetables for a hearty meal.
• Baked: Bake with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for a sweet, comforting dish.
• Soups & Stews: Mash the flesh and add it to soups or stews for a rich, creamy texture.
• Salads: Roast or steam cubes of squash and toss them in salads for a warm, seasonal touch.

Conclusion

Acorn Table Queen Organic Squash is an easy-to-grow, versatile winter squash with a rich, nutty flavor. Its small size and high yield make it perfect for gardeners with limited space, while its sweetness and texture make it a favorite in a wide range of dishes. Whether roasted, stuffed, or used in soups, this squash is sure to be a delightful addition to your fall and winter meals.