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Acorn Squash Seed – Seed Specifications, Germination, and Growing Conditions

Acorn squash is one of the favourites of the winter squashes, as it’s easy to grow and has a wonderful, sweet, nutty taste.

By Victor Miller

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Published on September 05, 2025

Acorn Squash Seed
Acorn Squash Seed

In this article

Key Takeaways

  • Good and good for you: Acorn squash has a mild, sweet taste and is chock full of vitamins A and C.
  • Easy to grow: The seeds can be planted in warm weather and require ample sunlight and space.
  • Good for storage: Fruit can last for months after being harvested if stored in a cool, dry place.
  • For gardening fans: Great harvesting for gardeners just beginning or with limited space.

Acorn squash is one of the favourites of the winter squashes, as it’s easy to grow and has a wonderful, sweet, nutty taste. It has dark green ridged skin, and commonly becomes deep golden orange with maturity, and has moist, golden-orange flesh. Grow acorn squash from seeds is easy and rewarding to grow acorn squash from seed if you provide the right conditions. This article is going to explain everything you need to know, from how to plant your own to how to harvest it all.

Scientific Name Cucurbita pepo (Acorn Squash variety)
Common Names Acorn Squash, Des Moines Squash
Family Cucurbitaceae
Kingdom Plantae
Order Cucurbitales
Family Cucurbitaceae
Genus Cucurbita
Species C. pepo
Cultivar Acorn Squash
Life Cycle Annual
Color Dark green or variegated skin with orange flesh
Plant Height 12–24 inches
Plant Spread Up to 6 feet wide
Growth Habit Sprawling vine or semi-bush
Bloom Season Summer

A Classic Garden Favorite

Acorn squash is also in the species Cucurbita pepo, which encompasses pumpkins and zucchini. It is so-called because of its small size, and acorn-like shape. Acorn squash is native of North and Central America, it has long been cultivated for several hundreds of years and appears in vegetable gardens scattered all over countries.

These seeds produce vigorous vines that yield 3-5 squash per plant. The fruit keeps well and is produces high quality taste for roasting, stuffing and baking when harvested at optimal times.

Plant Characteristics

The acorn squash is often referred to as an vigorous and prolific plant. It thrives in most backyard gardens and yields tasty fruit without a lot of fuss.

  • Easy to grow
  • High yields
  • Heat tolerant
  • Pollinator-friendly

Stores well after harves

Uses

Acorn squash is a wonderful food and decoration plant. It has a rich, earthy taste and keeps for months, making it an ideal cold-weather vegetable. Farmers appreciate it for its good yields, and home gardeners appreciate its beauty and its easy care. Whether you grow for fun, food or market, acorn squash serves many purposes.

  • Vegetable gardens
  • Small farms
  • Market gardens

Fall displays and recipe

Growing Conditions

Good conditions are necessary to grow healthy acorn squash. This plant requires warm weather, strong sunshine, and soil of high quality. With regular care, it will grow strongly and yield delicious fruit.

  • Light: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
  • Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter
  • Temperature: Warm weather (best above 18°C / 65°F)
  • Growing Season: Late spring to early fall
  • Water: Regular watering, especially during flowering and fruiting

Plant Resistance

But even though acorn squash is hardy and grows easily, it does have some hurdles. Arming yourself with the knowledge of what pests and diseases to expect can help you keep your plants in top form.

  • Moderate resistance: Powdery mildew
  • Common pests: Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, vine borers

Watch for: Poor fruit set if pollinators are low

Planting Information

It’s easy to plant acorn squash seeds when you know what to do. These seeds do best in warm soil, and require room to expand.

  • Planting Season: After last frost, when soil is warm
  • Seed Preparation: No soaking needed
  • Planting Depth: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
  • Water Needs: Keep soil moist but not soggy
  • Spacing: 2–4 feet between plants; 5–6 feet between rows

Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3–10

Seed Morphology

The seeds are medium-sized on an acorn squash and very manageable. They, in appearance, are pale, clean and are easy to plant and keep.

  • Size and Shape: Medium, flat, oval
  • Color: Cream or light tan
  • Texture: Smooth
  • 1000 Seed Weight (TSW): 180–220 grams

Seed Coat: Medium thick

Germination Requirements

Getting acorn squash seeds to sprout is not hard. With the right warmth and moisture, they grow fast and strong.

  • Optimal Temperature: 21°C to 32°C (70°F to 90°F)
  • Light for Germination: Not required
  • Moisture: Keep soil moist during germination
  • Soil pH: 6.0 to 6.8

Pre-Germination Treatment: Not necessary

Seed Viability and Vigor

Acorn squash seeds remain viable for several years if kept properly. They sprout fagt with a high germination rate and grow up to strong, healthy plants.

  • Germination Rate: 85% to 95% in good conditions
  • Viability Duration: 4 to 6 years
  • Storage Type: Orthodox (dry and cool storage is best)

Testing: Standard germination test or accelerated aging test

Propagation and Sowing

Planting acorn squash from seed is a simple and enjoyable way to grow your own food. The developers plant the seeds directly into the ground after the final frost date. These seeds germinate quickly in warm soil. Give them space, sun, and regular water, and a few months later you’ll have robust plants hanging with delicious squash.

  • Method: Direct sowing outdoors after frost
  • Sowing Depth: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
  • Spacing: 2–4 feet per plant
  • Germination Time: 5 to 10 days
  • Days to Maturity: 70 to 90 days

Transplanting: Not common - sow directly in final location

Disease and Pest Resistance

Acorn squash, like other garden vegetables, can be threatened by pests and disease. There are two main pests: squash bugs and powdery mildew. Insects might chew on leaves and vines, and diseases similarly slow growth. But with good care, clean soil and crop rotation, you can largely avoid them. Pollination means bringing in marketable fruit too.

Common Issues:

  • Squash bugs
  • Powdery mildew
  • Cucumber beetles
  • Vine borers

Prevention Tips:

  • Use row covers when plants are young
  • Rotate crops each year
  • Keep garden clean and free of plant debris

Plant flowers nearby to attract pollinators

Storage and Handling

If you are wondering how to store acorn squash seeds, then the answer is – they need to be stored properly. Cool and low humidity are essential. Store them in airtight containers to keep air and moisture at bay. With care, these seeds will remain viable for several seasons.

  • Storage Temperature: 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F)
  • Humidity: Below 40%
  • Packaging: Keep seeds in airtight containers

Shelf Life: 4 to 6 years if stored wel

From Seed to Harvest

Acorn squash is easy and fun to grow. Its seeds germinate readily and grow rapidly to the full leafy size. Two to three months from now, you’ll be getting a few squashes from each plant. They are ready to pick when the skin is firm and has darkened to a deep green or orange.

When you have harvested the squash, keep it in a cool, dry place. They may continue for months. And naturally, that makes them perfect for fall feasting, storing supplies for winter, and shining decorations for the holidays.

Acorn squash is an ideal squash for anyone new to or familiar with gardening. It’s easy to grow and tastes fantastic, to boot.

Summary

Acorn squash seeds are a great choice for any gardener. They have just sunshine, water, and good soil, and they turn into vegetable plants loaded with tasty squash. This fruit stores nicely and is easy to prepare. Sow acorn squash from its planting to its eating, growing this edible truly is a pleasure.

FAQ

How long does it take for an acorn squash to grow?

If the soil is warm and moist, you should see shoots in five to 10 days.

Can you plant acorn squash seeds indoors?

Yes, but I would wait to put them outside until after the last frost.

How do I know when my squash is ready to be harvested?

The skin is firm and dark green. The stem will look dry.

Do I need to hand-pollinate the flowers?

Not usually. Bees and other bugs do. But if you have a dearth of bees visiting your flowers, you can experiment with hand-pollinating by gently moving pollen from one bloom to another using a small brush.