How do you grow spaghetti squash in the garden?

Asked by: Crystal Acosta

Most varieties of spaghetti squash produce vines that grow to a length of 8 feet or more. Space seed-planting holes 3 to 4 feet apart in the ground and sow 2 seeds per hole. Once the seeds sprout, cut off the weakest seedling at its base to thin the plants down to one strong seedling per hole.

What is the best way to grow spaghetti squash?

Plant them in a spot with full sun about 2 weeks after the last spring frost. Spaghetti squash requires loose, well-drained soil. I suggest adding some compost to it as well since the plants need nutrient-dense soil. Plant spaghetti squash in hills, with 3 or 4 transplants per hill and 3 feet between each hill.

What month do you plant spaghetti squash?

Spaghetti squash grows best in full sun and in soil that contains organic matter, such as compost. Wait until the danger frost has passed, which is around mid-March to mid-April in northern areas along the West coast, such as San Francisco. Start spaghetti squash seedlings indoors and transplant them outside.

Does spaghetti squash need to climb?

Color on it and one thing I do want to mention is how spaghetti squash is one of those squash that can be grown on a trellis nice yep otherwise they spread out in the garden.

How many spaghetti squash do you get from one plant?

Harvesting spaghetti squash



Each plant produces between 3 to 5 squash that can weigh from 2 to 4 kg a piece. When harvesting, keep as much of the stem as you can to extend preservation. Harvest your squash spaghetti before the first frost spells.

When can I plant squash outside?

Planting. Squash does not grow well in cool weather. Plant in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. For a good fall crop, plant early so squash will mature before the first killing frost.

How long does it take for spaghetti squash to grow?

Closely related to summer squash (young spaghetti squash fruits look like short, stout zucchinis), spaghetti squash mature faster than most other winter squash, producing mature fruits about eight weeks after planting.

Is it easy to grow spaghetti squash?

Spaghetti squash growing is one of the more popular gardening activities because the plant is easy to grow and provides a large amount of essential nutrients.

Can I grow spaghetti squash from the seeds inside?

You can start growing spaghetti squash indoors even earlier if you like, then transplant the seedlings to the garden when the soil is warmed to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Spaghetti squash is an extremely popular winter squash variety.

Do squash need full sun?

All types of squash love sun and heat. So for best results (and bigger harvests), grow squash in full sun once temperatures consistently stay above 70˚.

Can spaghetti squash be grown in a container?

There are different varieties of spaghetti squash, with some of them more petite than others. You can grow the more petite varieties in a container as long as it is equipped with plenty of drainage holes and is roomy in size. You shouldn’t use a container that is any less than 5 gallons in size, per 2-3 seedlings.

Can you plant zucchini and spaghetti squash together?

You can plant different varieties together, but you won’t want to save seeds from the crops produce since they can cross-pollinate and affect later crops. We love growing both yellow summer squash and zucchini together. As your plants grow, make sure the soil is moist but not continually saturated.

How long does it take for spaghetti squash to grow after flowering?

90-100 days

“Spaghetti squash has a long grow time, often needing 90-100 days after planting to mature,” she explains.

Will spaghetti squash climb a trellis?

You can conserve garden space by growing spaghetti squash vines on a trellis. Because each squash can grow quite large — around 10 inches long and weighing up to 5 pounds — you’ll need to rig a support system to keep them attached to the vine.

Can you leave spaghetti squash on the vine too long?

The maximum length recommended for most varieties is 110 days on the vine. After then, it will become overripe, but be sure to check the rind, color, and vine to test when to harvest.

What grows well with spaghetti squash?

Companions. If you’re putting effort into growing spaghetti squash, try tucking them in amongst corn, squash, cucumbers, and beans/peas. The traditional “three sisters” guild plants work very well planted in the same garden neighbourhood.

What can you not plant next to spaghetti squash?

Two plants that should never be planted near or close to any variety of squash are potatoes and tomatoes.

Can you plant cucumbers and spaghetti squash together?

Although, if you are concerned with cross pollination between your squash because you intend to harvest the seeds, then you probably plant them far apart from each other. Rest assured though, your cucumbers and squash are perfectly safe if you leave them unescorted in your vegetable beds.

Why wont my spaghetti squash grow?

Failing summer squash plants could be caused by a number of issues: improper watering, poor soil or intruding pests such as squash bugs, cucumber beetles and/or vine borers. Inspect stems and leaves for signs of insect damage to rule that out.

What kills spaghetti squash?

The best use of the soap for squash bug control is to mix it with water as a solution to drown the squash bugs you pick off plants. Insecticidal soaps designed for use in the garden are a safer choice for plants.

How do I know if my squash is pollinated?

Early signs look like the closed blossom might not have been pollinated, as the blossom end is beginning to turn yellow. On some squash plants, particularly summer squash like zucchinis, a fruit that was not pollinated completely will be obvious.

Why does my squash have flowers but no fruit?

If your squash plant produces ample flowers but never bears actual fruit, or it bears fruit that stops growing when it’s very small, then you’re likely dealing with a pollination issue. Most squash are monoecious, meaning that a single plant produces both male and female flowers.

How can you tell if a squash flower is male or female?

On squash, this is very easy to do. Female flowers will always have a tiny fruit under the flower. Male flowers grow on a long narrow stem. You can also tell the two apart by looking at the reproductive organs found in the center of the flower. The female flowers contain the stigma.

Should I remove squash blossoms?

Removing squash flowers helps you control the productivity of a plant. Squash plants tend to produce more male flowers than female, but you can remove the excess male blooms so the plants can focus on fruit development. The blossoms are also edible.

How do you encourage squash to grow?

1. Plant squash in well-drained beds amended with a 2-inch layer of compost to encourage healthy growth and production. Add 1 tablespoon of a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, per square foot of garden before you plant to supply the additional nutrients necessary to grow productive plants.

Do squash need trellis?

Squash does not need a trellis, but it does enjoy one. Squash will grow on a fence, in a raised bed, flat on the ground, or anywhere else it is allowed to wander. Providing a trellis helps to keep your squash in the area you want it to be in.

How long does it take for squash to produce?

45-60 days

It will be after your last frost date, squash prefer warm soil. Most varieties take 45-60 days from planting to harvest.