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Table King Bush Acorn Squash

Cucurbita pepo 'Table King Bush'

A space-saving bush variety that delivers all the classic acorn squash flavor without the sprawling vines. This compact plant produces perfectly proportioned, single-serving acorn squashes with deep ridges and sweet, orange flesh that becomes incredibly tender when roasted. Its bush habit makes it perfect for smaller gardens while still providing excellent yields.

Harvest

85-95d

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 Table King Bush Acorn Squash in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 squash →

Zone Map

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Table King Bush Acorn Squash · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing4-5 feet

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-2 inches per week, reduce near harvest

SeasonWarm season

FlavorSweet, nutty, and smooth with hints of butter and honey

ColorDark green with deep orange flesh

Size1-2 pounds, 5-6 inches across

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 Table King Bush squash in a warm, dry location (80-85°F) for 7-10 days to harden the skin and heal any minor cuts. After curing, store in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 50-55°F and 50-70% humidity – a basement, garage, or pantry works well.

Properly cured and stored squash will keep for 3-5 months. Check stored squash monthly and use any showing soft spots immediately. For preservation, cut squash in half, remove seeds, and roast until tender before freezing the flesh in portions. The cooked flesh freezes excellently for up to 12 months and works perfectly for soups, purees, and baked goods. You can also pickle the tender young fruits when they're 3-4 inches long for a unique preserve.

History & Origin

Origin: North America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids

Marigolds

Deters cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with natural compounds

Radishes

Repels squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil

Corn

Provides vertical structure and shade, part of traditional Three Sisters planting

Beans

Fixes nitrogen in soil for squash, completes Three Sisters companion system

Catnip

Strong repellent for squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids

Oregano

Repels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Sunflowers

Attracts beneficial insects and provides windbreak protection

Keep Apart

Potatoes

Competes for nutrients and space, may harbor similar soil-borne diseases

Aromatic herbs (strong)

Plants like sage and rosemary can inhibit squash growth through allelopathy

Brassicas

Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients, may stunt squash development

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

Good resistance to powdery mildew

Common Pests

Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, vine borers

Diseases

Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Table King Bush acorn squash take to grow?▼

Table King Bush requires 85-95 days from seed to harvest, making it suitable for most growing zones with adequate frost-free periods. In shorter season areas (zones 3-4), start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost to ensure sufficient growing time before fall frosts arrive.

Can you grow Table King Bush acorn squash in containers?▼

Yes, Table King Bush is excellent for container growing due to its compact 3-4 foot spread. Use a container at least 20 gallons in size with drainage holes. Ensure consistent watering and weekly fertilizing as container plants dry out faster and nutrients leach more quickly than garden plantings.

Is Table King Bush good for beginners?▼

Table King Bush is moderately beginner-friendly, easier than vining varieties due to its manageable size and good disease resistance. New gardeners should focus on consistent watering and pest monitoring, particularly watching for squash bugs and cucumber beetles which can quickly damage plants.

What does Table King Bush acorn squash taste like?▼

Table King offers classic acorn squash flavor – sweet and nutty with smooth texture and hints of butter and honey when roasted. The orange flesh becomes incredibly tender when cooked and has less stringiness than some acorn varieties, making it perfect for soups and purees.

When should I plant Table King Bush acorn squash?▼

Plant after soil reaches 65°F and all frost danger passes – typically late May to early June in zones 5-6, and mid to late April in zones 7-9. For indoor starting, begin seeds 3-4 weeks before last expected frost date to get a head start on the growing season.

Table King Bush vs regular acorn squash – what's the difference?▼

Table King Bush grows in a compact 3-4 foot bush rather than sprawling 10+ foot vines, making it ideal for small spaces. It produces smaller, single-serving sized fruits (1-2 pounds) compared to larger traditional varieties, but offers the same classic acorn squash flavor and appearance.