Squash, Organic (Honey Boat Delicata)

High Mowing Organic Honey Boat Delicata Squash Seeds

Many claim that this refined Delicata is the "sweetest squash in existence". Long fruits have the traditional green striping of Delicatas, but with coppery skin instead of the classic yellow. Holds well and keeps its sweetness through storage. Developed by Oregon State University vegetable breeder Jim Baggett. Plants need loose, fertile, well drained soil with plenty of organic matter and nitrogen and a pH 5.8-6.8. Fertilize seedlings with fish emulsion if leaves yellow.

Sowing Information:

• Light: Full Sun
• When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°–85°F.
• When to Start Inside: Start transplants indoors 3-4 weeks before last risk of frost. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 85-95°F. 
• Seed Depth: ½–1 inch
• Seed Spacing: For bush varieties 18-24”, for vining 24-36”
• Row Spacing: 6 feet
• Thinning: When seedlings grow 3-inch leaves, thin to 1–2 per mound.
• Days to Germinate: 5–10 days
• Days to Maturity: 100 days

Growing Notes:

• Harvesting: Harvest when fruits are full size and have a deep rich color and hard rinds that can’t be easily dented with a finger nail. Changing color of the “ground spot” from yellow to cream, gold or orange is another general indicator of ripeness. To harvest, cut stem at least 2” from the fruit: a short or broken stem can lead to rot. Cure after harvest by keeping in a warm, dry location for a few days.
• Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
• Attributes: Uniform fruit, 1-1.5lbs, vining habitat, open-pollinated