Heirloom

Acorn Squash (Table Queen)

Cucurbita pepo var. turbinata

A compact winter squash perfect for small gardens and new gardeners, producing reliable harvests of ribbed, acorn-shaped fruits. Its mild, slightly sweet flesh and convenient single-serving size make it ideal for stuffing and roasting. This dependable variety has been a American garden staple since the early 1900s.

Harvest

85-100d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

White-Tailed Deer

☀️

Zones

3–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Acorn Squash (Table Queen) in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Acorn Squash (Table Queen) · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing36 inches between plants

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture

SeasonWarm season

FlavorMild, slightly sweet, and nutty with tender texture

ColorDark green with deep ribs, some varieties have orange patches

Size1-2 pounds

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	June – July	October – October
Zone 4	—	—	June – July	September – October
Zone 5	—	—	May – June	September – October
Zone 6	—	—	May – June	September – October
Zone 7	—	—	April – June	August – October
Zone 8	—	—	April – May	August – September
Zone 9	—	—	March – April	July – August
Zone 10	—	—	February – April	June – August

Complete Growing Guide

Light: White-Tailed Deer. Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: var. CylindricaZucchini Squash, var. Cylindrica. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

A type of berry called a pepo that has a hard rind. Fruits may be long or round, large or small, smooth or warty– some have edible flesh and some are too hard or insipid to eat, though the seeds of all are edible. Has a harder, thicker stem compared to other species.

Color: Black, Cream/Tan, Gold/Yellow, Green, Orange, Pink, Red/Burgundy, Variegated, White. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible, Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Summer

Storage & Preservation

Cure freshly harvested acorn squash in a sunny, well-ventilated area for 7-10 days to harden the skin and concentrate sugars. Store in a cool, dry location (50-55°F) with good air circulation – basements, garages, or unheated rooms work well. Properly cured fruits keep 3-4 months when stored on shelves rather than in bins, allowing air circulation around each squash.

For freezing, cut squash in half, remove seeds, and roast until tender. Scoop out flesh and freeze in portions for up to 12 months. The convenient single-serving size makes Table Queen perfect for individual meal prep.

Dehydrate thin slices for healthy snacks, or pressure-can cubed squash following USDA guidelines. The mild flavor also works well in pickled preparations when combined with stronger vegetables.

History & Origin

Origin: North America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Corn

Provides natural trellis support and attracts beneficial insects

Bush Beans

Fix nitrogen in soil and don't compete for space

Nasturtiums

Trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles

Marigolds

Repel squash bugs, aphids, and nematodes

Radishes

Deter squash vine borers and cucumber beetles

Catnip

Strong deterrent for squash bugs and cucumber beetles

Tansy

Repels cucumber beetles and squash bugs

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps

Keep Apart

Potato

Competes for nutrients and may increase disease pressure

Aromatic Herbs (Sage/Rosemary)

Strong oils can inhibit squash growth and development

Fennel

Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of most garden plants

Nutrition Facts

Calories

40kcal(2%)

Protein

0.8g(2%)

Fiber

1.5g(5%)

Carbs

10.4g(4%)

Fat

0.1g(0%)

Vitamin C

11mg(12%)

Vitamin A

18mcg(2%)

Iron

0.7mg(4%)

Calcium

33mg(3%)

Potassium

347mg(7%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168472)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Moderate resistance to common squash diseases

Common Pests

Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers

Diseases

Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, mosaic virus

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Table Queen acorn squash take to grow?▼

Table Queen acorn squash takes 85-100 days from seed to harvest. In most regions, this means planting in late May or early June for harvest in September or early October. Starting seeds indoors 2-4 weeks early can extend the growing season in shorter-season areas.

Can you grow acorn squash in containers?▼

Yes, but you'll need a very large container – at least 20-30 gallons. The compact nature of Table Queen makes it more suitable for container growing than other winter squashes. Use a sturdy trellis system and choose a dwarf variety if available. Ensure consistent watering as containers dry out faster.

Is Table Queen acorn squash good for beginners?▼

Absolutely. Table Queen is considered one of the easiest winter squashes for new gardeners. It produces reliable harvests, tolerates various growing conditions, and has moderate disease resistance. The main challenge is managing common squash pests like vine borers and cucumber beetles.

What does Table Queen acorn squash taste like?▼

Table Queen has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with nutty undertones and tender, fine-grained flesh. It's less sweet than butternut squash but more flavorful than zucchini. The subtle taste makes it versatile for both sweet and savory preparations, and it readily absorbs flavors from seasonings and stuffings.

When should I plant Table Queen acorn squash?▼

Plant Table Queen when soil temperature reaches 65°F consistently, typically 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. In most areas, this means late May to early June. In zones 5-6, start seeds indoors in mid-April for transplanting in late May to ensure adequate growing time before fall frost.

How do you know when Table Queen acorn squash is ripe?▼

Ripe Table Queen squash develops deep green skin with orange patches, and the skin becomes hard enough that you cannot dent it with your fingernail. The stem where it attaches to the vine should be dry and corky, and the ground spot should be creamy yellow or light orange, not white.