Autumn Delight
90d to harvest
Sink your senses into Autumn Delight’s rich, sun-warmed sweetness—fleshy and velvety with a deep, golden-orange glow that feels almost custard-smooth at maturity. The rind develops a beautifully mottled, buttercup-shaped presence, while the interior turns tender and aromatic for comforting, spoonable results. Grow Autumn Delight for standout roasted halves, hearty purées, and silky sauces that capture the essence of fall in every harvest basket.
Crop Dates
Growing note: Zone 1b has only 61 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 90-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Frost | Jun 1st |
| Growing Approach | Protected Environment Only |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 90 |
| 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) | 12 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my Autumn Delight plants get powdery mildew?
Powdery mildew shows up as a gray-white dust on leaves, usually in humid spells later in the 90-day growth cycle. Remove heavily affected leaves early, then improve airflow by spacing plants and thinning if foliage is dense. Use a mildew-specific spray (potassium bicarbonate or sulfur labeled for edible crops) at first signs and repeat according to the label.
How often should I water Autumn Delight during the main growing phase (weeks 3–8)?
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy: water when the top 1 inch of soil dries out. Aim for deep watering that reaches the root zone, typically about 1 inch per week total from rainfall and irrigation, increasing slightly during hot, windy periods. Avoid frequent light sprinkling, which encourages shallow roots and leaf issues.
How can I tell when Autumn Delight is ready to harvest?
Harvest when the heads/fruit are fully formed and reach their target color and size, usually around 90 days from sowing (or longer if grown cooler than ~75°F). The best cue is firmness plus full maturity—don’t wait for over-softening or cracking. If unsure, harvest one test plant and compare size/color to the packet’s mature description.