What are the sun requirements for Cucurbita pepo 'Acorn'?

Cucurbita pepo 'Acorn' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Cucurbita pepo 'Acorn' need?

Cucurbita pepo 'Acorn' has Medium water needs.

Vegetables

Cucurbita pepo 'Acorn'

Acorn Squash

Cucurbitaceae

Open-pollinated; the species C. pepo is native to North America (Mexico and southeastern US)

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitVining

FoliageDeciduous

Height12-24 inches (30-60 cm)

Width72-120 inches (180-300 cm)

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Native to North America

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Cucurbita pepo 'Acorn' is acorn squash (pepper squash), a trailing vining annual growing 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and 72-120 inches (180-300 cm / 6-10 feet) wide. Ribbed acorn-shaped (turbinate) winter squash 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) long and 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) diameter, weighing 1-2 pounds (0.5-0.9 kg). Dark green rind with deep longitudinal ribs — the ribbed acorn shape is the cultivar's defining trait. Golden-orange flesh, finer-grained than butternut. Bright yellow funnel-shaped flowers — separate male and female on the same plant (monoecious). Dark green large palmate rough-textured foliage with coarse bristly hairs. In the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). Same species as zucchini (C. pepo). Angular stems (pentagon cross-section) distinguish C. pepo from C. maxima (round stems). Open-pollinated — cross-pollinates with other C. pepo types (zucchini, pattypan). Requires bee pollination — poor pollination causes misshapen fruit. Squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) and powdery mildew are primary pests/diseases. Vines need 6-10 feet (180-300 cm) of run — a limitation for small gardens. Stores 2-3 months at 50-60°F (10-16°C). Non-toxic (edible crop — flowers, seeds, young leaves also edible). Not deer-resistant. Tender annual. Full sun. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Open-pollinated. The species C. pepo is native to North America (Mexico and southeastern US).

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens with ample space (6-10 feet / 180-300 cm vine run). Winter squash — stores 2-3 months. Shorter season than most winter squash (80-100 days). Open-pollinated. Non-toxic. Tender annual.

How to Identify

Identified by ribbed acorn-shaped (turbinate) dark green winter squash with deep longitudinal ribs on trailing vines with angular (pentagon) stems and dark green palmate leaves with bristly hairs. The deep ribs and the acorn shape distinguish this from other C. pepo types. In Cucurbitaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'

Width/Spread6' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer

Summer (June-August). Bright yellow funnel-shaped flowers 3-4 inches (7-10 cm). Monoecious: separate male and female. Bee-pollinated. Fruit matures 80-100 days from direct sow.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright yellow, funnel-shaped, 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) diameter; monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant)

Foliage Description

Dark green, large palmate, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) wide, rough-textured with prominent veining and coarse bristly hairs

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam silt

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

80-100 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Direct-sow after last frost (65 degrees F / 18 degrees C soil). Space 48 inches (120 cm) with 6-10 feet (180-300 cm) vine run. Requires bee pollination. Squash vine borer and powdery mildew. Harvest when rind is hard and ground spot turns orange. Stores 2-3 months. Non-toxic. Tender annual.

Pruning

No pruning needed. Harvest when rind is dark green, hard, and the ground spot turns orange. Leave 2 inches (5 cm) of stem. Cure 1-2 weeks. Remove spent vines after frost.