How do spaghetti squash grow

Another option for spaghetti squash planting that requires very little ground space is to grow the vines vertically. Erect a sturdy trellis or fence to support the vines as they grow. I use grid panels or let the vines climb the wooden fence around my vegetable garden.

Spaghetti squash plants are big, and they require a decent level of nutrition to perform their best. With healthy, fertile soil as their foundation, each vine will produce 6 to 8 fruits.

Prior to growing spaghetti squash, amend the soil with lots of compost. Phosphorous promotes the production of flowers and fruits. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of organic granular fertilizer I like this one around each plant when the plants are 6 inches tall. Apply 3 more tablespoons around the base of each plant again when the vines begin to flower. To apply liquid fertilizers I like this one , mix it in a watering can according to label instructions and drench the soil around the base of the plant.

I recommend watering by hand so you can target the water directly to the root zone and keep the foliage dry. Like other squashes, spaghetti squash is prone to powdery mildew and other fungal diseases. Dry leaves are key to reducing fungal pathogens. When hand watering, apply about 1 gallon of water to the root zone of each seedling, 5 gallons around each young vine, or 10 gallons around each mature vine. Allow the water to slowly soak into the ground.

For folks growing spaghetti squash for the first time, harvesting might seem tricky. To harvest spaghetti squash, cut the fruits from the vine, leaving a inch long section of the stem intact.

For more on how to harvest winter squash, along with advice on the best squash curing and storage methods, check out this comprehensive article on our site. Watch me harvest my winter squash for more on how and when to pick spaghetti squash:. Do you have experience growing spaghetti squash? Im not sure I have spaghetti squash. Do the grow green then turn yellow? How long after they turn yellow can you harvest.. Even if the vines are dead, you need to wait for the fruit to be ripe before you pick it.

Yes, but it will have to be a very large pot. I suggest a minimum of 15 gallons of soil per plant. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar. What is spaghetti squash? Unlike other types of winter squash, the flesh of spaghetti squash is noodle-like in consistency. Depending on the climate in your area, February-March is the right time to start sowing spaghetti squash under cover in nursery pots followed by transplanting when the last frosts are past, or you can also wait for direct sowing starting from the month of May.

If sowing in nursery pots , count more or less 3 weeks before transplanting them to the ground. Sowing spaghetti squash directly in the ground. It is also possible to sow directly in the ground, starting from the month of May, if the area is prone to mild fall seasons. You can pinch off stems after the 3 rd or 4 th leaf to stimulate plant growth, this will ensure better productivity. Once your spaghetti squash have grown well, mulch their base to keep the soil moist and cool.

The right time to harvest spaghetti squash is when its color is bright yellow. The color of the spaghetti squash is a great indicator to know when it is mature. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, of which it is most probably one of the most remarkable members. With low calorie levels and high vitamin C content, spaghetti squash also has demonstrated antioxidant properties. Transplanting Seedlings Place transplants out in mounds, two to a mound, spaced eight feet 2. Take special care when putting the plants in the ground as squash roots are easily damaged by handling.

Plant Care Spaghetti squash needs the same amount of water as most vegetables, that is, one inch three centimeters a week, delivered if possible, through a slow morning soak. No special fertilizing is needed. If your plant begins to send vines into garden paths or other places you don't want them, gently place the offending shoots out of harm's way. Try to avoid bruising the vines as that leaves them susceptible to diseases and pests. Harvesting Spaghetti squash is ready to harvest in around 90 days.

The yellow fruits will grow to around nine inches 23 centimeters , lose their luster, harden, and their stems will dry.

Cut the stems about an inch three centimeters above the fruit and leave them on for better storage. Harvest all your squash before the first frost. Use Spaghetti squash makes a great low-carb option to pasta. Roast or boil the flesh then pull it into strands with a fork. Storage Spaghetti squash will save for three to six months in a cool, dark place.