1# TABLE QUEEN ACORN SQUASH

Table Queen Acorn Squash (Cucurbita pepo ‘Table Queen’) is the classic heirloom acorn squash, known for its compact size, sweet golden flesh, and dependable yields. It’s one of the oldest and most popular acorn squash varieties grown by home gardeners.

🎃 Variety Overview

• Type: Winter squash (acorn type)

• Fruit Size: 1½–3 lb

• Shape: Traditional ribbed acorn shape

• Skin Color: Dark green (often with subtle orange highlights at maturity)

• Flesh: Yellow‑orange, tender, mildly sweet

• Days to Maturity: ~80–90 days

• Vine Habit: Semi‑vine to short runner

• Use: Baking, roasting, stuffing, microwaving

✅ Why Grow Table Queen

• Classic acorn squash flavor and texture

• Ideal single‑serving size

• Earlier maturity than many winter squash

• Compact vines—good for smaller gardens

• Reliable producer and easy to grow

• Heirloom variety (seed can be saved)

This is the standard acorn squash many gardeners compare others to.

🌤️ Growing Conditions

• Season: Warm‑season crop

• Sun: Full sun (8+ hours)

• Soil: Fertile, well‑drained soil rich in organic matter

• Soil pH: 6.0–6.8

• Frost Sensitive: Yes

🌱 Planting Instructions

• When to Plant:

  • After last frost once soil is ≥60–65°F

• How to Plant:

  • Depth: 1 inch

  • Spacing: 3–4 feet between plants

  • Rows: 6–8 feet apart

🌱 Tip: Plant in compost‑amended hills for stronger early growth.

💧 Care & Feeding

• Water deeply and consistently, especially during fruit set

• Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds

• Use balanced fertilizer early; avoid excess nitrogen after fruits form

• Allow fruits to fully mature on vines for best sweetness

🎃 Harvesting

• Harvest when fruits are deep green, dull (not shiny), and hard‑skinned

• Orange patches usually indicate full maturity

• Cut with 2–3 inches of stem attached

• Cure for 7–10 days in a warm, dry place

❄️ Storage

• Stores well for 2–3 months

• Best stored at 50–55°F with good airflow

• Flavor improves after 1–2 weeks of storage

🍴 Cooking Quality

• Mildly sweet, tender flesh

• Excellent for:

  • Baked squash halves with butter or maple syrup

  • Stuffed acorn squash

  • Roasting or microwaving

Many gardeners prefer Table Queen for simple baked preparations.

🌿 Companion Plants

• Beans

• Corn

• Nasturtiums

(Avoid planting near potatoes.)