Autumn Delight

Squash

Zone 2b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Autumn Delight

🌱 90d to harvest Vine

Sink your senses into Autumn Delight’s rich, sun-warmed sweetness—fleshy and velvety with a deep, golden-orange glow that feels a…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 12th
Harvest Begins	Sep 10th
Harvest Ends	Aug 25th

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

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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.

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.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 12 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Plant in very warm soil and avoid root disturbance—if starting under cover, move seedlings carefully and keep them well-watered until they re-root.