Delicata Squash (Organic Heirloom)
Best heirloom squash for home gardeners seeking compact, single-serving winter harvests.
Discover the Delicata Squash, an organic heirloom variety dating back to 1894, perfect for the home gardener. This favorite boasts relatively compact vines and fruits that mature in approximately 97 days. Each squash is about 8 inches long, ideal for single servings, with creamy green skin marked by darker green stripes. The flesh is a vibrant orange and offers a delightfully sweet flavor that even improves with winter storage. Enjoy this delicious and convenient squash variety from Pinetree Garden Seeds.
$3.20
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5867
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-70%
Below average
Botanical Name
Cucurbita pepo
/ Cucurbita pepo
Who it's for
- Urban gardeners with limited space for sprawling vines
- Home cooks seeking effortless preparation and superior flavor
- Sustainable gardeners interested in seed saving and heirloom preservation
Who should skip it
- Gardeners unable to commit to frequent pest monitoring
- Northern growers facing short, frost-prone summer seasons
- Pantry planners requiring long-term winter vegetable storage
Performance breakdown
Culinary Versatility
Sweet, tender flesh makes this a standout for roasting and stuffing.
Storage Longevity
Flavor profile deepens significantly when cured for winter pantry use.
Garden Space Efficiency
Compact vines offer a manageable footprint for most backyard vegetable patches.
Germination Reliability
Heirloom genetics provide consistent growth when soil temperatures remain optimal.
Harvest Convenience
Single-serving fruit size eliminates the need for messy kitchen prep.
Growth Predictability
Clear ninety-seven day maturity window simplifies seasonal garden planning.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Cucurbita pepo
Days to Maturity
97 Days
Seed Count
15 seeds per packet
Sowing Depth
0.5 - 1 inch deep
Optimum Germination Temperature
70-85º F
Fruit Size
Approximately 8” in length, half as wide
Storage Temperature
50-55ºF with 50-65% humidity
Plant Spacing
36-48 inches apart
Features
- Heirloom variety from 1894
- Convenient single-serving fruit size
- Flavor improves during winter storage
- Compact vine growth habit
- Sweet orange flesh
- Excellent keeper for winter enjoyment
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of these heirloom seeds. Gardeners report outstanding germination rates, often exceeding expectations, which speaks directly to the seed viability. The resulting Delicata squash is celebrated for its sweet, rich flavor and impressive yield, making the growing process remarkably satisfying. This product offers dependable performance, proving easy to cultivate for both experienced and beginner growers seeking a high quality harvest.
Know before you buy
These plants require a fair amount of room to spread. You should space your plants 36 to 48 inches apart to ensure they have enough airflow and room for their vines to grow.
No, this variety is not recommended for containers. Because of their vine growth habit, they perform best when planted directly in the ground in a garden bed.
You can expect to harvest your squash approximately 97 days after sowing. It is best to plant them in the spring once the soil has warmed up to ensure they reach maturity before the first frost.
For the best results, store your harvested squash in a cool, dry location with temperatures between 50-55ºF and 50-65% humidity. Proper storage helps the flesh develop its signature sweetness over time.
Sow the seeds 0.5 to 1 inch deep in soil that is between 70-85ºF. They thrive in full sun and require consistent, high water levels to produce healthy fruit.
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