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

Cucurbita pepo 'Spaghetti' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Cucurbita pepo 'Spaghetti' need?

Cucurbita pepo 'Spaghetti' has Medium water needs.

Vegetables

Cucurbita pepo 'Spaghetti'

Spaghetti Squash

Cucurbitaceae

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

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitTrailing

FoliageDeciduous

Height12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Width96-144 inches (240-360 cm)

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Native to North America

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Cucurbita pepo 'Spaghetti' is spaghetti squash (vegetable spaghetti), a trailing vining annual growing 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 96-144 inches (240-360 cm / 8-12 feet) wide. Oblong yellow-skinned winter squash 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long and 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) diameter, weighing 4-8 pounds (1.8-3.6 kg). The cooked flesh separates into spaghetti-like strands — the cultivar's defining trait. Bright yellow funnel-shaped flowers — separate male and female on the same plant (monoecious). Dark green large palmate foliage with light green veining. In the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). Classified as C. pepo (not C. maxima or C. moschata). Winter squash — harvest mature when rind turns deep yellow and cannot be dented with a fingernail. Requires 100-110 days from seed — a limitation for short-season climates. Vines require 8-12 feet (240-360 cm) of space. Squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) and powdery mildew are primary pests/diseases. Stores 2-3 months at 50-60°F (10-16°C). Open-pollinated — cross-pollinates with other C. pepo. Non-toxic (edible crop). 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 (8-12 feet / 240-360 cm of vine run). Winter squash — stores 2-3 months. Spaghetti-like strands when cooked. Open-pollinated. Non-toxic. Tender annual.

How to Identify

Identified by oblong yellow-skinned winter squash 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) on trailing vines. The cooked flesh separates into spaghetti-like strands — unique among squash types. In Cucurbitaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread8' - 12'

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. Monoecious. Bee-pollinated. Fruit matures 100-110 days from direct sow.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

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

Foliage Description

Dark green with prominent light green veining, large palmate, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) wide, 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

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

100-110 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Space 36 inches (90 cm) between plants with 8-12 feet (240-360 cm) between rows. Requires bee pollination. Harvest when rind turns deep yellow. Squash vine borer and powdery mildew. Stores 2-3 months. Non-toxic. Tender annual.

Pruning

No pruning needed. Harvest when rind turns deep yellow and cannot be dented. Leave 2 inches (5 cm) of stem. Cure 1-2 weeks. Remove spent vines after frost.