Candystick Delicata Organic Squash

Nature & Nurture Seeds

Cucurbita pepo

$4.49

Pkt(≈20 seeds)
VALUE SIZE: (≈115 seeds)
Certified Organic
90 days. For those who think no meal is complete without something sweet, we offer you Candystick Delicata! Released by master breeder and author Carol Deppe, who first inspired us to start breeding tomatoes over 15 years ago. She selected this squash for thick flesh, luscious texture, top-notch flavor, storage, and vigorous growth. Fruits ripen to a rich orange-tan with green stripes. This variety includes desired, natural fruit shape variability which, Deppe contends, contributes to genetic diversity and vigor. Compared to regular Delicata, Candystick stores better and retains sweetness longer. Just cut it lengthwise, de-seed and roast - you may even save it for dessert! See our website for Carol Deppe’s tips for a perfectly roasted Candystick. This variety of squash has been released under the Open Source Seed Initiative pledge.

Winter squashes are grown during the summer but can be stored during the winter. Candystick Delicata is a vining squash so allow plenty of space for them to grow. Direct sow seeds outdoors (1/2-1” deep) around June 1st (space 4’ apart). Days to germination: 4-10. As with all cucurbits, squash plants do not like their roots disturbed during transplanting so if you are starting seeds indoors, use biodegradable pots. Start seeds indoors May 1st – ideal temperature for germination is 85°- 95° (use heating mat). Squash seedlings are sensitive to damping off fungus so keep germinating seeds on the drier side and use a fan (set to low) to provide air circulation. Once 2 leaves appear, grow plants at 72°. Do not let plants become potbound. Transplant (pot and all) outdoors around June 1st, spaced 4’ apart. Squash like soil with a lot of organic matter so add compost and/or decomposed manure to soil prior to planting. Protect seedlings from cucumber beetles and squash bugs by covering seeds/seedlings with row cover fabric at planting and leave it on until plants are flowering. Protect squash plants from deer and groundhogs.