Table Queen Acorn

Family: Cucurbitaceae Vegetable

Sweet, nutty flesh with a gently caramel-leaning aroma fills each Table Queen Acorn squash—its skin turning from deep green to a warm, mottled gold as it matures.

The fruit is compact and beautifully ribbed, with a tender, spoonable texture that becomes silky when roasted and ideal for hearty autumn preparations. Grow Table Queen for a dependable 85-day rhythm and a harvest that looks as splendid as it tastes—perfect for baking, savory purées, and robust sauces.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Vine

Botanical illustration of Table Queen Acorn

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 11th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Table Queen Acorn’s compact fruit and silky, roast-soft interior make it built for spoonable halves and purées that actually stay thick—no watery dilution. Its sweet-nut profile plays especially well with browned fats and sharp, tangy acids that cut through the squash’s caramel note.

Best Uses

roasted half-moons until jammy, then spooned warm
thick squash purée for pasta fillings and sheet-pan gnocchi
savory bake—squash gratin with browned edges
robust purée-based soups that cling (not watery)

Flavor Profile

sweet, nutty squash flavor gently caramel-leaning aroma tender spoonable flesh that turns silky when roasted lightly earthy finish

Kitchen Pairings

brown butter sage bacon or pancetta garlic smoked paprika cider vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Cucurbita pepo (Table Queen Acorn squash), and how do I manage it?

Watch for powdery mildew, which commonly shows up on Cucurbita pepo leaves as a white, floury coating during warm days and humid nights. Improve airflow by spacing vines and avoiding overhead watering, then remove heavily infected leaves early. If it’s spreading fast, spray a labeled sulfur product or potassium bicarbonate according to the label directions.

How often should I water Cucurbita pepo during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During active vine growth and while flowers are forming, water deeply about 1–2 times per week so the soil is evenly moist 6–8 inches down, not soggy. Check moisture with a finger: water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, and stop frequent light watering that keeps the surface wet. After the fruits start enlarging, reduce slightly but keep consistent moisture to prevent uneven growth and blossom-end issues.

How can I tell when Table Queen Acorn squash (Cucurbita pepo) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the rind is fully darkened and hard (a fingernail won’t easily dent it) and the fruit has reached its expected size. The stem should be mature and turning dry, and the squash should sound hollow when tapped lightly. Cut from the vine with 2–3 inches of stem attached to improve storage life.