The oval-shaped squash develops along 8-foot vines with large palm-shaped leaves.
Each plant produces a main vine with branching.
Expect to harvest between 4 and 8 squashes per plant depending on growing conditions andpruning practices.
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It can be grown inraised bedsor in ground.
but its sprawling nature makes it impractical for growing in containers.
If you experience late, unexpected frosts, use a row cover toprotect young seedlingsin the garden.
This vegetable needs nutrient rich loam that holds moisture but also drains well.
Spacing, Depth, and Support
Spaghetti squash can be planted in mounds or in rows.
Seeds are usually overplanted, with two or three planted together then thinned to the strongest seedling.
Thin to the strongest seedling once true leaves appear.
Use wire fencing and direct the vines so that squash can rest on an attached shelf to mature.
Four to five seeds can be planted in each mound.
Planting in Rows
Spaghetti Squash Plant Care
Spaghetti squash is easy to grow.
Light
Plant spaghetti squash in a spot that receives six hours of bright, direct sunlight daily.
You also want the soil to hold some moisture.
Planting in mounds helps with moisture and drainage.
Water
Spaghetti squash requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
Soil should remain moist to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
Supplement rainfall for a total of 1 to 2 inches of water per week depending on temperature.
Extended periods of heat might require more frequent irrigation.
Water deeply early in the day at ground level to avoid moisture accumulation on the large leaves.
Mulch with straw, dried leaves or black plastic to retain moisture and reduce weed competition.
High humidity can lead to fungal issues which makes adequate spacing and watering correctly essential.
Fertilizer
Spaghetti squash uses lots of nutrients so organically rich soil is important starting out.
Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, which result in excessive vine growth.
Alternatively you could feed with a liquid organic fertilizer monthly throughout the growing season.
Types of Squash
Spaghetti squash is unique for it’s noodle-like texture.
Other winter squashes feature thick, creamy flesh.
All winter squashes have hard, thick skins when fully ripe.
Here are some other winter squashes you might like to try.
Harvesting Spaghetti Squash
Knowingwhen to pick spaghetti squashmay be the trickiest part of growing this vegetable.
Another way to check is to press a fingernail into the skin.
If it leaves a mark, the squash is not yet ready to harvest.
Use a sharp pruner to cut spaghetti squash from the vine leaving 4 to 6 inches of stem attached.
Store whole squash in a cool, dry location at 60 degrees F. for up to three months.
Protect seedlings with floating row covers.
Preventive utility of BT can deter vine borers.
These fungal infections tend to occur in high humidity or after overhead watering.
Use neem or horticultural oil at first sign of infection and repeat applications according to label until fungus disappears.
Wire fencing is ideal for training vines.
Attaching platforms for the squash to rest on helps keep both vines and fruits healthy and off the ground.
Plant spaghetti squash in full sun.
It needs at least 6 hours of full sun daily.
Allow plenty of room in the garden for the spread of those long vines.
