The Best Types of Acorn Squash to Grow in Maryland
Acorn squash is a delicious and nutritious winter squash variety that thrives in Maryland’s warm summers and mild autumns. With its compact size, sweet flesh, and versatility in the kitchen, acorn squash is a popular choice for home gardeners. Maryland’s growing conditions, particularly the long, warm summer, provide the perfect environment for growing acorn squash, which requires a lengthy growing season and consistent sunlight.
Here’s a guide to some of the best acorn squash varieties to grow in Maryland, along with tips for maximizing your harvest.
1. ‘Table Queen’ Acorn Squash
‘Table Queen’ is one of the most widely grown acorn squash varieties and an excellent choice for Maryland gardens. Known for its dark green skin and sweet, nutty flavor, this heirloom variety produces medium-sized fruits that are perfect for roasting or baking. It’s a reliable producer with a vigorous growth habit, making it suitable for Maryland’s growing season.
- Days to maturity: 80-85 days
- Key feature: Consistent producer with flavorful flesh
- Best for: Roasting, baking, and stuffing
2. ‘Honey Bear’ Acorn Squash
‘Honey Bear’ is a hybrid acorn squash that was bred specifically for its sweet flavor and small, individual-serving size. This variety is resistant to powdery mildew, which can be a concern in Maryland’s humid summer climate. The compact size of the fruits makes ‘Honey Bear’ ideal for small gardens or container gardening. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a squash variety that produces early and offers superior flavor.
- Days to maturity: 85-90 days
- Key feature: Disease-resistant and perfect for small spaces
- Best for: Grilling, roasting, and individual servings
3. ‘Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato’ Acorn Squash
This heirloom variety is unique among acorn squashes due to its pale, cream-colored skin and sweet, slightly nutty flavor reminiscent of sweet potatoes. It performs well in Maryland’s growing conditions and is known for its high yields. ‘Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato’ is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to try something different from the traditional green acorn squash varieties.
- Days to maturity: 85-90 days
- Key feature: Unusual sweet flavor and pale skin
- Best for: Mashing, baking, and roasting
4. ‘Autumn Delight’ Acorn Squash
‘Autumn Delight’ is a hybrid variety that was bred for early maturity and high yields. It’s a great option for Maryland gardeners looking to harvest acorn squash before the onset of cooler autumn temperatures. This variety has a rich, sweet flavor and dark green skin, making it ideal for a range of culinary uses. It’s also more compact than other varieties, making it a good choice for smaller garden spaces.
- Days to maturity: 75-80 days
- Key feature: Early maturity and compact growth
- Best for: Roasting, soups, and casseroles
5. ‘Tuffy’ Acorn Squash
‘Tuffy’ is a unique acorn squash variety that features thicker, more edible skin than other types, allowing you to enjoy the whole squash without peeling. This heirloom variety is also known for its sweet, flavorful flesh. It thrives in Maryland’s summer heat and is relatively pest-resistant. The large vines require space to sprawl, making it a good choice for gardeners with larger plots.
- Days to maturity: 90-95 days
- Key feature: Edible skin and superior flavor
- Best for: Baking, roasting, and stuffing
6. ‘Jersey Golden Acorn’
‘Jersey Golden Acorn’ is a golden-skinned acorn squash with a mild, sweet flavor. It is a heavy producer and grows well in Maryland’s warm climate. The bright yellow skin adds a unique visual appeal to dishes, and the fruits are typically smaller than traditional varieties. This variety is a great option for gardeners looking for something colorful and different in their harvest.
- Days to maturity: 85-90 days
- Key feature: Golden-yellow skin and heavy yields
- Best for: Roasting, purees, and decorative purposes
Tips for Growing Acorn Squash in Maryland
1. Planting Time
In Maryland, acorn squash should be planted in late May to early June, once the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60°F. Squash plants are sensitive to frost, so wait until all danger of frost has passed. You can start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost for an earlier harvest.
2. Soil Preparation
Acorn squash thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Acorn squash prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
3. Watering and Care
Acorn squash needs consistent moisture throughout its growing period, especially during fruit development. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and reduce weeds.
4. Pest and Disease Management
Maryland’s humid summer conditions can make acorn squash susceptible to pests and diseases such as:
- Squash bugs: Handpick or use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Powdery mildew: Choose mildew-resistant varieties like ‘Honey Bear,’ and ensure good air circulation around the plants.
- Cucumber beetles: These pests can damage young plants; row covers can protect your squash until they flower.
5. Harvesting Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is ready for harvest when the skin is hard and cannot be easily pierced with a fingernail. The stems should be dry and tough. In Maryland, squash is typically harvested in late August through early October. Be sure to cut the squash from the vine with about 1-2 inches of stem attached to extend its shelf life.
6. Storage
Acorn squash can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place, making it an excellent crop for winter meals. Make sure the squash is cured in a warm, dry area for 10-14 days before storage.
Maryland’s warm summer climate and long growing season provide the perfect environment for growing a variety of acorn squash. By choosing the right variety, such as ‘Honey Bear’ for disease resistance or ‘Table Queen’ for classic flavor, Maryland gardeners can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, nutritious squash that can be stored and enjoyed throughout the colder months.
