Spaghetti squash, scientifically known as Cucurbita pepo, is a versatile and nutritious vegetable belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. This unique squash is cherished for its ability to transform into spaghetti like strands when cooked; it is a popular low carb alternative to traditional pasta. Spaghetti squash is typically yellow or orange in color and has a hard outer shell.
Growing spaghetti squash requires full sunlight and well drained soil; these plants thrive best in warm weather. They are usually planted in late spring after the danger of frost has passed; seeds should be sown directly into the ground or started indoors a few weeks before the last frost date. The vines of spaghetti squash can spread extensively, so providing ample space or using a trellis can help manage their growth.
In culinary uses, spaghetti squash is incredibly versatile; it can be baked, boiled, or microwaved until the flesh becomes tender. Once cooked, the flesh can be scraped out with a fork to create strands that resemble spaghetti; these strands can be used in a variety of dishes, from simple butter and herb preparations to more complex recipes like casseroles and stir fries. High in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, spaghetti squash is not only a delicious addition to meals but also a nutritious one. (C. pepo)
- QTY. 20
- Seed Planting Depth: 1 to 1.5"
- Germination Temperature: 75-90
- Days to Germination: 3-10
- Row Spacing: 48"
- Plant Spacing: 24"-36"
- Sun: Full
- Days to Harvest: 110 days
How to Save Seeds
Pumpkins are actually from the squash family. So they will cross will different types of squash. There are 4 groups of commonly grown varieties of squash. Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita Maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita mixta. With this in mind any variety from the same species or in other terms with the same last name of the 4 species listed above will cross and must be separated 500ft. For instance you can't grow two pepo varieties together or they will cross. Side note: Be sure to check what type of squash you have in order to determine cross pollination chances. Squash and pumpkins can be seed harvested the same way. Let them stay on the vine until fall and then cut off the vine let sit for a week and then cut them open scoop out flesh and place in water. Wash seeds and place them on a screen rack for drying or paper. Turn often so they are able to fully dry a week or so and then properly them store accordingly.