Description
Delicata Squash Seeds (Sweet Potato Type) 2285.
Classic Heirloom Winter Squash Featuring Sweet Orange Flesh and Edible Cream-and-Green Striped Skin.
Delicata Winter Squash (Cucurbita pepo), also known as Sweet Potato Squash, is a cherished open-pollinated heirloom prized for its exceptionally sweet flavour and tender texture. Short, manageable vines produce oblong fruits measuring 15 to 20 cm long and 9 cm in diameter, displaying a striking cream-coloured rind accented with thin dark green stripes in the ribs. Unlike most winter squashes, Delicata features a thin, tender skin that is completely edible—meaning no peeling is required before cooking! Packed with rich, sweet orange flesh reminiscent of sweet potatoes, it is an ideal choice for stuffing, roasting, and baking, as well as storing through the winter months.
Quick Seed Details
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Product Code: 2285
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Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo ‘Delicata’
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Type: Open-Pollinated Heirloom Winter Squash
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Plant Habit: Short Vine / Semi-Bush
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Fruit Size: 15–20 cm long x 9 cm diameter
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Plant Spacing: Space hills 2.4 m apart
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Light Requirement: Full Sun
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Soil Preference: Deep, rich, organic, well-draining soil (pH 5.5–6.5)
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Germination: 7–10 days in warm soil
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Seed Depth: 2.5 cm deep
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Seed Count: Approx. 20 seeds per packet (10–12 seeds per gram)
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Squash are heat-loving crops that thrive in full sun with organic-rich soil and careful transplanting to protect sensitive roots.
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Direct Sowing (Recommended): Direct sow seeds outdoors from late May to mid-June once soil temperatures have warmed thoroughly. Plant seeds 2.5 cm deep in hills spaced 2.4 m apart, placing 4 to 6 seeds per hill. Thin to the 3 strongest seedlings per hill after emergence.
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Indoor Starting: In shorter-season regions, start seeds indoors 3 weeks before outdoor planting. Sow directly into paper, fibre, or peat pots to prevent root disturbance during transplanting.
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Soil Preparation & Care: Work generous amounts of rich compost or well-rotted manure into garden beds prior to planting. Keep soil consistently moist throughout the growing season.
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Harvesting & Storage: Harvest mature squash before the first hard autumn frost when the rind hardens and cream-and-green colouring fully develops. Cut from the vine leaving a short stem section attached. Cured fruits store well in a cool, dry location for winter eating.
Why Delicata Squash Seeds belong in Your Garden
If you want an easy-to-prepare winter squash that eliminates the hassle of peeling, Delicata is an unbeatable selection. Its short, manageable vines, sweet dessert-like flavour, and tender edible skin make it a favourite for Canadian home gardeners and kitchen enthusiasts.
