Matures in: 100 days

Description:
Sometimes called sweet potato squash because of its delicious flavor, Delicata is very productive and stores well into winter. Fine-grained light orange flesh can be steamed or baked.

SOWING:
Plant seed in a sunny location outdoors in late spring when the ground is warm and all danger of frost is past. Make a group of 3 to 5 seeds spaced in a ring about 2 to 3 inches across; cover with 1/2 inch of fine soil, well pressed down. Each ring of seeds is called a "hill", and hills should be spaced 4 to 6 feet apart.

THINNING:
Thin when plants are 3 to 4 inches tall, leaving 3 or 4 plants per hill.

GERMINATION:
Germinates in 10 to 14 days depending on soil and temperature conditions.

REMARKS:
Protect plants from insects and water as needed. Allow the fruits to ripen on the vine until fully mature. Gather before frost, leaving part of the stem attached to the fruit.