Spaghetti squash, the delightful winter squash with flesh that resembles spaghetti noodles when cooked, is not only a fantastic gluten-free pasta substitute but also a practical companion for your garden. With its bushy green leaves providing ground cover and limiting sun exposure to the soil, or its ability to climb up a trellis, maximizing vertical gardening space, this versatile vegetable has a lot to offer. But how do you know when your spaghetti squash is ripe and ready to be picked? Let us guide you through the signs to look for!
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When is the Best Time to Harvest Spaghetti Squash?
Yellowed skin is one sign of when to pick spaghetti squash. Source: Starr
Typically, spaghetti squash should be harvested in late summer or early fall, before the first winter frost. While some gardeners estimate the harvest time by counting 40-50 days from when the yellow squash blossoms first bloom, there are other indicators you can rely on. These include checking the vine, assessing the hardness of the rind, and observing the color and brightness of the skin.
When you decide it’s time to pick your spaghetti squash, make sure to use clean and disinfected shears or pruners. Cut the stem around 2-3 inches above the squash, leaving a short stem intact. This is crucial to protect the squash from mold or rapid decay. Allow the harvested squash to dry or cure in a sunny and dry location for a week or two before storing it. Moisture can quickly spoil winter squash.
Harvesting Based on Estimated Ripen-By Date
The date on the seed packet can serve as a rough guideline for when to pick spaghetti squash, but it shouldn’t be the sole determining factor. Spaghetti squash typically takes around 100 days to mature, with harvest dates ranging from 60 to 110 days. The specific variety of spaghetti squash you’re growing and your growing zone will influence the ripening time. Therefore, besides relying on the ripen-by date provided on the seed packet, it’s essential to use the following indicators to ensure that your squash is truly ripe and ready to be enjoyed.
Observing Vine Color and Rind Hardness
One of the key signs of a ripe spaghetti squash is when the vines start turning brown. Dry and brown vines indicate that the fruit is fully developed and ready to be harvested. On the other hand, if the vine is still green, the squash is still maturing on the plant.
Analyzing the Skin’s Appearance
Ripe spaghetti squash is recognizable by its dull, non-shiny skin. As the squash reaches maturity, the skin transforms from a soft creamy white to a vibrant golden yellow. Look for an even golden yellow color to ensure the squash is fully ripe. If you spot any uneven coloring, such as green spots or streaks, or if the squash is only partially yellow, it means it’s still unripe.
By using color as an indication, along with checking the vine and performing the fingernail test, you’ll have the best clues to determine the right time for harvesting this winter squash from your garden.
Conducting the Fingernail Test
To test the ripeness of the squash, gently press your fingernail into the rind. If the skin leaves a mark or punctures easily, the spaghetti squash needs more time to mature. Ripe winter squash should have a hard and tough rind that is resistant to puncturing. However, be cautious not to let the squash become overripe, as it may turn mushy and soft, with a rind that can be easily marked. In this case, the harvesting period may have already passed.
Looking for Visible Damage
If you notice darkened spots, soft or mushy areas resembling bruises or indentations, it may indicate that the squash is overripe. Additionally, the presence of mold is another sign of an overripe and inedible squash. Furthermore, if the flower end of the winter squash (opposite of the stem) is turning black, it’s likely that the squash is lost.
Can Spaghetti Squash Ripen Off the Vine?
An immature spaghetti squash on the vine. Source: Ian_Harding
In case you’re anticipating an early winter frost or simply want to harvest your spaghetti squash before it fully ripens, you can allow it to ripen off the vine. The more mature the squash is, the higher the chances of successful ripening off the vine. To test its maturity, knock on the rind of the squash. If it sounds hollow, it can be ripened off the vine.
Rinse and dry the spaghetti squash, then place it in a warm and sunny location to ripen. If there are any green spots on the squash, make sure they face the sun. You may need to periodically rotate or reposition the squash to ensure even ripening. When the squash turns a lovely golden yellow, it’s a sign that it’s ready and ripe.
Preparing the Squash for Storage
Before storing your harvested squash, it’s important to clean them thoroughly to remove any mold, mildew, dirt, or dust. Use a disinfectant solution consisting of 10% bleach and 90% water to wipe down the entire rind. Allow the squash to dry completely before storage.
How to Store Spaghetti Squash
Nearly mature spaghetti squash will start to gradually turn yellow. Source: Aquila-chrysaetos
If you plan to cook your spaghetti squash, you can freeze the noodles, allowing them to be stored for 6-8 months. However, there are a few steps to follow before freezing the noodles. First, cook the squash, let it cool, and refrigerate it for at least 12 hours. Then, drain any excess moisture, pat dry the noodles, and they’re ready to be frozen. Plastic freezer bags are a suitable option for storing the precooked noodles.
It’s worth noting that refrigerating whole winter squash can accelerate decomposition due to the moisture in the fridge. Consequently, it’s advisable to avoid storing a whole spaghetti squash in the fridge, unless you tightly wrap it to prevent moisture contact. If you’ve cut up a raw squash and wrapped the remaining portions tightly, they can last 2-5 days in the fridge.
If you find yourself lacking space in your freezer or fridge, don’t worry. You can prepare the winter squash for longer-term storage. Look for a cool, dry, and dark location. To maximize the longevity of your produce, ensure that the squash is stored in a single layer without touching each other. An ideal temperature range of 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit will allow the squash to store for 3-6 months. At room temperature, the squash will keep for approximately 1 month. Remember to check the squash every week for any signs of rotting or softness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Very underripe squash may have a greenish tint. Source: Jo Zimny
Q: How long can you leave spaghetti squash on the vine?
A: That’s a tricky question! While the dates on spaghetti squash seed packets provide an estimate, most varieties should be harvested within 110 days on the vine. However, be sure to consider other indicators, such as the rind, color, and vine, to determine the ideal harvest time.
Q: Do all spaghetti squash turn yellow?
A: Yes! When spaghetti squash turns a beautiful golden yellow, it signifies that it’s fully ripe and ready for harvest.
Q: Can you eat immature spaghetti squash?
A: Absolutely! Some people enjoy cooking green spaghetti squash as they would summer squash. It will have a milder flavor. It can be fun to experiment with eating your plants at different stages!
Remember, growing and harvesting spaghetti squash can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With these guidelines, you’ll be able to determine the perfect time to harvest your squash and savor its delicious flavors. For more helpful information and gardening tips, visit 5 WS, your go-to source for all things gardening.
