Squash (Winter) Seeds - Autumn Acorn Blend

Autumn Acorn Blend is a collection of winter squash seeds designed for gardeners who want to grow a variety of acorn squash with rich, flavorful flesh and distinctive colors. This blend includes a mix of acorn squash types that vary in size, shape, and color, ranging from traditional green to golden yellow and even some with orange hues. It is perfect for gardeners looking to add diversity to their fall harvest and enjoy a range of delicious, hearty squash.

Key Benefits

• Variety of Colors: The Autumn Acorn Blend offers a mix of acorn squash with green, golden yellow, and orange varieties, adding vibrant colors to your garden and fall table.
• Delicious, Nutritious Flesh: The flesh of acorn squash is sweet and nutty, perfect for roasting, baking, and adding to soups and stews.
• High Yielding: The blend includes varieties that produce a steady harvest of medium-sized squash, perfect for both cooking and storage.
• Heirloom Varieties: Many of the varieties in this blend are heirlooms, meaning they are open-pollinated and have been passed down through generations.
• Long Storage Life: Winter squash, including acorn, stores well for several months, making it a great addition to your pantry for autumn and winter meals.

Variety Features

• Appearance: The Autumn Acorn Blend includes a variety of acorn squash, featuring green, yellow, and orange skins, typically with ridged or smooth surfaces.
• Flavor: The flesh of acorn squash is sweet and mild, with a nutty flavor that intensifies when roasted or baked.
• Size: Each squash typically grows to 4-6 inches in diameter, perfect for individual servings or for stuffing.
• Maturity: These squash varieties mature in 85-95 days, making them ideal for late-season harvests.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Warm Weather: Plant after the last frost date when the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (16°C). Acorn squash thrives in warm conditions, so wait for the weather to stabilize before sowing.
• Sun Requirements: Squash plants need full sun for 6-8 hours per day to grow and develop properly.

Planting Details

• Sowing Depth: Plant the seeds 1 inch deep into well-draining soil.
• Spacing: Space the seeds 24-36 inches apart within rows that are spaced 4-6 feet apart. Acorn squash requires plenty of space to spread out.
• Soil: Acorn squash prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Work in compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering or waterlogging the soil. Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage strong roots and avoid fungal diseases.
• Watering Frequency: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the plants hydrated and thriving.

Light

• Full Sun: Ensure that your squash plants get 6-8 hours of full sun per day for optimal growth.

Temperature

• Acorn squash grows best in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C-29°C). Keep an eye on frost warnings, as the plants are sensitive to cold and will not survive in freezing conditions.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Harvest when the skin of the squash is firm and deeply colored. The squash should sound hollow when tapped, and the stem should be dry and corky. This indicates that the squash is mature and ready for harvest.
• Typically, the squash is ready to harvest 85-95 days after planting.

How to Harvest

• Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the squash from the vine, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Handle with care to avoid bruising.

Storage

• Short-Term: Freshly harvested acorn squash can be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area for up to 1 month.
• Long-Term: For long-term storage, keep acorn squash in a cool, dry, and dark place (around 50-60°F or 10-15°C). They can last for up to 3-4 months under proper conditions.

Culinary Uses

• Roasted: Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, and roast with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a delicious side dish.
• Stuffed: Hollow out the squash and stuff with grains, vegetables, or meat for a hearty, nutritious meal.
• Baked: Use acorn squash in soups, stews, or baked dishes for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Pureed: Puree roasted acorn squash and use as a base for soups or pies.
• Mashed: Mash the roasted squash with butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a flavorful side dish.

Conclusion

Autumn Acorn Blend is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to grow a variety of delicious, nutritious squash in their garden. With its range of colors, flavors, and textures, this blend offers versatility both in the garden and the kitchen. Whether roasted, stuffed, or mashed, the autumn acorn squash adds warmth and heartiness to your meals. It’s easy to grow, stores well, and brings a bountiful harvest, making it an excellent choice for any fall garden.