Cucurbita pepo 'Table Queen Acorn'
Table Queen Acorn Squash
Cultivar of garden origin: 'Table Queen Acorn' is an open-pollinated heirloom cultivar of {Cucurbita pepo} bred for the deeply ribbed acorn-shaped fruit form; the species {Cucurbita pepo} is native to northeastern Mexico and the southern United States, where wild varieties have been growing for thousands of years; archaeological evidence places domestication of the species among the earliest plants cultivated in the Americas, with cultivation dating back over 10,000 years
Overview
Cucurbita pepo 'Table Queen Acorn' is a compact vining annual squash cultivar in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) producing deeply ribbed acorn-shaped fruits. The vigorous trailing vines extend 8-12 feet (240-360 cm) with large palmate leaves that are dark green with prominent veining and 3-5 shallow to moderately deep lobes. The stems are thick, angular, and covered with short stiff hairs. Fruits are uniform, deeply ribbed, 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) long and 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in diameter. Skin is dark green with prominent longitudinal ribs and furrows, sometimes developing orange or yellow patches at maturity. Flesh is bright orange, smooth-textured, and sweet with a nutty flavor. Bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers appear throughout the growing season, with separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The deeply ribbed acorn fruit shape is the cultivar's defining identification feature, separating it from other Cucurbita pepo winter squash types like spaghetti and pattypan.
Native Range
Cucurbita pepo is native to northeastern Mexico and the southern United States, where wild varieties have been growing for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence places domestication of the species among the earliest plants cultivated in the Americas, with cultivation dating back over 10,000 years.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers with adequate space for vine spread. The compact fruits are suited to roasting, baking, and stuffing, which makes them widely used for fall harvest displays and culinary use. The cultivar can also be grown vertically on trellises or fences with proper support for the heavy fruits.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread8' - 12'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Flowers from mid-summer through early fall (July-August primarily). Bright yellow funnel-shaped flowers carried throughout the growing window. Monoecious. Bee-pollinated, with both honeybees and native squash bees (Peponapis pruinosa) carrying pollen between male and female flowers. Fruit matures 90-110 days from direct sow.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow funnel-shaped flowers carried throughout the growing season; monoecious — separate male and female flowers on the same plant, with the female flowers carrying a small ovary at the base that develops into the fruitFoliage Description
Dark green large palmate leaves with prominent light green veining and 3-5 shallow to moderately deep lobes; the foliage carries coarse stiff hairs typical of Cucurbita squash speciesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
The cultivar requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season, particularly during fruit development. Water deeply at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, since wet foliage promotes fungal diseases. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with compost or well-rotted manure when vines begin to run. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Common pests include squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and vine borers; crop rotation prevents soil-borne diseases by breaking the disease-carryover cycle.Pruning
Pruning is not typically required, but pinching the growing tips of vines once they reach the desired length encourages fruit development by directing the plant's energy into existing fruit set. Remove diseased or damaged leaves promptly to prevent disease spread. Some gardeners thin fruits to 2-3 per vine for larger higher-quality squash.Maintenance Level
moderate⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic — the fruits, flowers, and young shoots are all edible. Raw leaves and stems may cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to the coarse stiff hairs that cover them.Planting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
2 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
after last frost when soil temperature reaches 65°F
Days to Maturity
90–110 days
Plant Spacing
36 inches
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting With