Cucurbita pepo 'Delicata', Delicata Squash
Annuals

Cucurbita pepo 'Delicata'

Delicata Squash

CucurbitaceaeNorth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitvining
Foliagedeciduous
Height12-18 inches
Width8-10 feet

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b
Zone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Container Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Cucurbita pepo 'Delicata' is a compact winter squash cultivar distinguished by its elegant cream-colored fruits with distinctive dark green longitudinal stripes. The oblong fruits typically measure 6-8 inches in length and weigh 1-2 pounds at maturity, featuring a thin, edible skin that sets it apart from other winter squash varieties. The plants produce large, heart-shaped leaves that are deeply lobed and covered with fine hairs, creating a sprawling vine habit that can extend 8-10 feet if left unpruned. The bright yellow, funnel-shaped flowers are typical of the cucurbit family, with separate male and female blooms appearing on the same plant. Cucurbita pepo 'Delicata' is prized not only for its attractive appearance but also for its sweet, nutty flavor that resembles sweet potato when cooked. The thin skin eliminates the need for peeling, making it one of the most user-friendly winter squash varieties for culinary use.

Native Range

Cucurbita pepo is native to northeastern Mexico and the southwestern United States, where wild varieties have been cultivated for over 10,000 years. The 'Delicata' cultivar was developed through selective breeding in the United States during the 19th century.

Suggested Uses

Cucurbita pepo 'Delicata' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers with adequate support. The attractive striped fruits make excellent fall decorations before being harvested for culinary use. Consider growing on trellises or fences to save space in smaller gardens. The compact size compared to other winter squash makes it suitable for smaller garden plots.

How to Identify

Cucurbita pepo 'Delicata' can be identified by its distinctive cream-colored fruits with dark green stripes running lengthwise from stem to blossom end. The fruits are elongated and cylindrical, typically 6-8 inches long with a thin, smooth skin. The vines produce large, heart-shaped leaves with prominent lobes and a fuzzy texture. Unlike other winter squash, the skin of Cucurbita pepo 'Delicata' remains tender enough to eat when cooked, and the striped pattern is consistent and well-defined throughout the fruit's development.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread8' - 10'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
mid-summer through early fall

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium green with prominent veining

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• 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
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-4 months

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Cucurbita pepo 'Delicata' requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season, particularly during fruit development. Water deeply at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to powdery mildew and other fungal diseases. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and side-dress with compost or additional fertilizer when the vines begin to run. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Support developing fruits with straw or boards to prevent ground rot and improve fruit quality.

Pruning

Cucurbita pepo 'Delicata' benefits from selective pruning to improve air circulation and focus energy on fruit production. Remove any diseased or damaged leaves promptly, and thin secondary vines if space is limited. Pinch off the growing tips of vines once several fruits have set to concentrate the plant's energy on fruit development. Remove excess male flowers after pollination to redirect energy to fruit production.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 20 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Cucurbita pepo 'Delicata' is non-toxic and safe for humans and pets. The fruits, flowers, and young shoots are all edible when properly prepared.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

3 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

after soil temperature reaches 65°F and all danger of frost has passed

Days to Maturity

80–100 days

Plant Spacing

36 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

corn
beans
radishes
nasturtiums
marigolds
sunflowers

Avoid Planting With

potatoes
aromatic herbs
fennel
brassicas