Commercial Production of Acorn Squash in Mississippi
Acorn squash is one of the winter or hard-shelled types of squash. It belongs to the Cucurbita pepo species, along with zucchini, yellow summer squash, and common field pumpkins. Acorn squash is named after the shape of its fruit. Deeply ridged and sharply tapered to a point, acorn squash look much like an acorn and weigh between 1 and 3 pounds.
Soils
Acorn squash grow on a wide variety of soil types, but it will not tolerate poor drainage. Best yields are obtained on sandy soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Do not grow on areas that have been in watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, or pumpkin within the last 3 years.Avoid fields that have been treated with Karmex, Cotoran, Lorox, or Scepter the previous year. Atrazine- or simizine-treated fields can also affect squash growth.
Varieties
Acorn squash is available in open pollinated and hybrid types. Vines can be running or compact. The bush types can be planted more closely than the running types.
| Hybrid | Open pollinated |
|---|---|
| Seneca Autumn Queen (bush) | Table Queen |
| Table Ace (bush) | Royal Acorn |
| Early Acorn (bush) | Bush Table Queen |
| Tay Belle (bush) | Ebony |
| Mammoth Table Queen | Table King (bush) |
Planting
Bush types are planted in 36- to 48-inch rows, with 12 to 24 inches between plants. This requires 2 to 3 pounds of seed per acre. Vining types are planted in 60- to 100-inch rows, with 36 to 60 inches between plants in the row. This requires 1 to 2 pounds of seed per acre. The bush types are frequently higher yielding than the vining types, although data averaged over 10 years showed little difference in yield among varieties.Seeds will not germinate until soil temperature is above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, so plant acorn squash well after any danger from frost.
Fertilization
Apply fertilizer according to a soil test. If you are growing squash on sandy soils, one or two sidedressings of 30-0-30 may be required. As much as 120 pounds each of N-P-K may be required on low-fertility soils.
Irrigation
Irrigation is essential for guaranteed production. Acorn squash plants have an extensive but shallow root system.
Weed Control
Mechanical cultivation is possible when squash plants are young, but take care not to destroy the shallow root system. Labeled herbicides include bensulide (Prefar) and DCPA (Dacthal) for preemergence and sethoxydim (Poast) for postemerge control of grasses.
Diseases
Acorn squash is subject to all of the diseases other squashes are. Consult the latest issue of "Disease, Insect, and Nematode Control Recommendations for Commercial Vegetables in Mississippi," Extension Publication 554, for the latest control recommendations. Common diseases and their symptoms include:
| Symptoms | Disease |
|---|---|
| Irregular, watersoaked spots | Angular leafspot |
| White fuzzy fungus on blossoms | Blossom blight |
| Yellow or brown spots on upper leaf surface grayish mold on lower leaf surface | Downy mildew |
| Powdery-like mold on leaves | Powdery mildew |
| Leaves mottled and distorted, fruit splotchy green | Mosaic virus |
| Gray, sunken spots on fruit | Scab |
| Stunted growth, reduced yield | Nematodes |
Insect Control
The most destructive insects on acorn squash are cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and squash vine borers. Pickleworms, melonworms, and aphids can also become problems if not controlled. See Extension Publication 554 for chemicals and rates to use for controlling insect pests.Spray for insects when bee activity is minimal. Bees are essential for crop pollination.
Pollination
Bees transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers. The first several flowers are male, so do not expect fruit from them. Without pollination, squash fruits will not develop. One hive per acre will furnish enough bees for pollination. Place hive near squash field.
Harvest
Acorn squash is harvested when mature. The rinds are hard and there is a small spot of yellowish orange in the dark-green surface. The acorn squash is not washed before packing.
Storing
Acorn squash can be packed in single- or double-layered boxes and held at 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 percent humidity for up to 5 weeks.
Yield
Yield is variable due to weather. Expect between 100 and 200 bushels (50 pounds per bushel) per acre.
The information given here is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended of other products that may also be suitable.
By Dr. David Nagel, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.
Information Sheet
1505
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S.
Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress,
May 8 and June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown, Director
Copyright by
Mississippi State University. All rights reserved.
This document may be copied and distributed for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
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