C. pepo. Slightly oblong acorn squashes grow on compact, semi-bush vines. The exterior skins are bright white, and hold their colour right into the fall. The interior flesh is also white and low in sugar. It takes on the appearance of mashed potatoes when cooked and fluffed. The fruits hold their colour well into the fall and provide a a good, low carbohydrate alternative to mashed potatoes. Each fruit averages about 750g (1½ lbs), and sets close to the crown of the plant. We liked the fact that they were so easy to spot in the field.
Matures in 90 days. (Hybrid seeds)
West Coast Seeds Mashed Potatoes F1 Squash-Winter Seeds, Per Package
Starting
Sow seeds 2cm (1″) deep. Sow 3 seeds in each spot where you want a plant to grow, and thin to the strongest plant. Space summer squash 45-60cm (18-24″) apart in rows 90-120cm (36-48″) apart. Give winter squash and pumpkins even more room with a minimum of 90-120cm (36-48″) apart in rows 120-180cm (48-72″) apart.
Timing
Direct sow or transplant in late spring once the soil is warm. For transplants, start seeds indoors during the first two weeks of May. Optimal soil temperature: 25-35°C (77-95°F). Seeds should germinate in 7-14 days.
Harvest
Summer Squash: Pick when small, if fruit gets big the plant stops producing. Check the plants regularly.
