All squash is similar in growing habits, of course; most of the plant care regimen is nearly identical. However, growing spaghetti squash is a smidgen different in a few ways; the rind is hard but not AS hard as some other winter squash varieties, and the color is very distinct on most spaghetti squash varieties when it’s time to harvest.
These squash vines produce fruit that is relatively heavy. Growers may want to plant spaghetti squash with a trellis to support their vines and the growing fruit. And even the vines that splay out for eight feet can use a little bit of mulch underneath to help protect the fruit from decay!
Of course, the most distinct difference in spaghetti squashes are their noodly textured flesh. This unique flesh is used culinarily as a pasta replacement.
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Quick Care Guide
When ripe, most spaghetti squash has yellow skin. Source: Timothy Valentine
| Common Name(s) | Spaghetti squash, Vegetable spaghetti |
| Scientific Name | Cucurbita pepo ssp. ovifera |
| Days to Harvest | 90-100 days |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | 1-2 inches of water per week |
| Soil | Well-drained, nutrient-rich |
| Fertilizer | Granular, slightly higher in phosphorus |
| Pests | Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, squash vine borers |
| Diseases | Powdery mildew, downy mildew |
All About The Spaghetti Squash Plant
Spaghetti squash is a part of the winter squash family, and like most squash, its wild ancestors originated from Central America and Mexico. This particular subspecies, Cucurbita pep ssp. ovifera was first recorded in China in 1850, although how it arrived there and its exact origins are unknown.
Spaghetti squashes, also known as vegetable spaghetti, come in many varieties. Tivoli is a dwarf variety that is a great option for gardeners with limited space. Small wonder produces compact fruits which make the perfect single serving making it a good choice for smaller families or those who may not eat an entire squash in one sitting. There are also striped hybrid varieties such as Stripetti and Sugaretti.
Planting Spaghetti Squash
Baby squash peeking out from beneath the leaves. Source: Jo Zimny
You may choose to either direct sow spaghetti squash seeds or transplant out squash seedlings depending on the length of your growing season. To determine the length of your growing season you’ll need to calculate the number of days between your last frost and first frost date. Begin planting a few weeks after the last frost.
Spaghetti squash is extremely frost-sensitive and can only be grown between these two dates in your zone. Since spaghetti squash needs such a long growing season, taking between 90-100 days to fully mature, it can be beneficial to transplant squash seedlings in areas with a shorter season. If your season is long enough, you may direct sow seeds. Or alternatively, you can do both! Transplanting started plants and direct sowing late-season crops at the same time can give a staggered harvest.
When direct sowing, it’s best to plant seeds in groups of 2 or 3 a few feet apart. Cover seeds with about an inch of soil and keep the soil moist until the spaghetti squash seeds germinate. Once each squash sprout is established and at least a few inches tall, thin the weakest seedling from each group.
Spaghetti squash can be grown directly in the ground and allowed to sprawl or trained up a trellis. It can also be successfully grown in containers and raised beds and allowed to trail over the sides. We recommend Root Pouch grow bags or Air Pots for this purpose. Tivoli, which has short vines and grows to be about 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, is the perfect choice for a 5-gallon container. Be sure you are planting squash in an area of the garden that receives full sun in well-drained soil, and you’ll be rewarded with more than you know what to do with!
Spaghetti Squash Care
A male squash blossom. Female flowers have a bulge at their base. Source: essgee51
Spaghetti squash makes a great addition to your winter squash collection. These squashes are very easy to care for. Below we’ll discuss how to grow spaghetti squash by providing it with its ideal growing conditions.
Sun and Temperature
Spaghetti squash requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. It can be grown in USDA zones 2-11, however, it does best in zones 5-9 where the length of the growing season is ideal: not too hot and not too cool.
Like most plants in the Cucurbita family, they cannot handle even 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In extreme heat (temperatures above 90 degrees) the blossoms may drop, and fruit may fail to form. If you’re expecting a series of above 90-degree days, then it might be best to protect your spaghetti squash plants with a shade cloth. This is why late summer planting is not recommended in some areas.
Water and Humidity
As mentioned above, spaghetti squash doesn’t do well during extended periods of extreme heat. When combined with a lack of moisture, this spells disaster for your squashes. Water your spaghetti squash plants regularly during heat to keep the soil around the roots cool and protect the plant from heat damage. Regular deep watering helps the plant support each spaghetti squash leaf, along with squashes. Spaghetti squash requires 1-2 inches of water per week which equates to a deep watering once per week. Keep the soil moist but not soaked.
Like most squashes, they are particularly susceptible to powdery mildew and downy mildew. For this reason, it is a best practice to water them early in the day at the base of the plant to prevent wetting the foliage. It is easiest to place young plants along drip irrigation lines to ensure that they receive this deep watering without wetting their leaves. The large leaves may wilt slightly in the heat of the day, but fear not, this is not a sign of underwatering. They will perk back up once the sun sets and the heat of the day has passed. If you witness wilted leaves early in the morning before it is hot outside, then you may consider increased watering.
Soil
For the best results, grow Spaghetti squash in moist, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. If you’re struggling with poorly draining soil, then carry out spaghetti squash growing in a container or a raised bed where you can better control the soil mix. Conversely, if you’re experiencing an issue with the soil draining too quickly and drying out in the garden, then consider adding compost and a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. A fresh layer of compost early in the growing season can provide the soil with all of the organic material that it needs to support this heavy feeder.
Fertilizing
Once blossoms appear then you may consider adding a granular fertilizer. It’s not absolutely necessary to fertilize your squash, but you will definitely see a boost in production if you utilize it at this point. When selecting a fertilizer be sure to choose one slightly higher in phosphorus rather than nitrogen. High nitrogen fertilizer will cause the plant to focus on foliage growth which is not what you want at this stage. A fertilizer slightly higher in phosphorus will encourage more blooms which in turn divert the plant’s resources to produce more fruit.
Pruning & Training
It is not necessary to prune your spaghetti squash vines at all. However, choosing to prune can help keep the plant compact and focus all of its energy on fewer fruits. Rather than getting a large harvest of average-sized fruit, you’re more likely to get a few large fruits. While pruning is optional during the growing season, it is recommended at the end of the season. When you’re within 30 days of your average first frost date you may consider pruning back additional squash blossoms (they’re edible and delicious fried so don’t throw them away!) This way the plant can focus on ripening the remaining fruits.
Growing squash in containers is a good way to conserve space. There are dwarf varieties that are more bush-like rather than vining which will remove pruning and training from the equation. However, a trellis is a great way to utilize the vertical space in your garden and also makes harvesting spaghetti squash easier. This makes them more visible and less likely to be hidden on the ground under large fan-like leaves. A squash trellis can be made from any sturdy material that can either be driven into the ground or tied off to stakes or t-posts. My favorite option for this is to use a cattle panel attached to a t-post on either end.
As the vines begin to grow weave them through the lower level of your trellis, and then they will take hold on their own once they put out tiny green tendrils. The vines naturally sprawl, but will climb when given something to grab onto. When growing vertically keep in mind that the fruits won’t be supported by the ground as they grow. Once the fruits develop you can cradle them with a t-shirt, old pantyhose, or any similar flexible, but strong fabric. At the end of the season, cut it back at the base and pull the vines from your trellis. If you live in an area with squash vine borers and squash beetles then you may want to pull up the roots and discard every part of the plant to avoid providing them with the perfect environment to overwinter.
Propagation
Spaghetti squashes can be propagated from cuttings, but it’s not a reliable method and has a very low success rate. The vines don’t readily set roots in the way that tomato vines do. It’s much easier to grow squash from seed or to transplant seedlings. For more information on how to germinate squash seeds, see the Planting section.
Harvesting and Storing
Ripe spaghetti squash cut in half to expose the seeds. Source: essgee51
Now that you’ve successfully grown your squash, it’s time to reap the fruits of your labor and harvest spaghetti squash! After you harvest spaghetti squash, then it’s time to consider how to store it. We’ll discuss a few different options below.
Harvesting
Spaghetti squash season is generally at the end of summer and into early fall. There are visual cues to look for to determine when to pick spaghetti squash. Ripe spaghetti squash will be fully yellow in appearance. The outer rind will begin to harden and the stem will begin to turn from green to brown. Green spaghetti squash is a sign that it is still immature and unripe. This squash can be eaten young and immature like summer squash, but it will not fully ripen once removed. It is possible to place them on a sunny window sill to continue to turn yellow, but they will not have the shelf life of a vine-ripened mature squash.
When you harvest spaghetti squash, be sure to use a sharp pair of gardening shears and leave at least 2-3 inches of the stem attached. This will help extend their shelf-life. It’s important to cure before you store spaghetti squash. Wipe them with a damp cloth or alternatively a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water to help remove any mold and mildew. Place them in a dry, protected area like a garage or shed for a week, and then they are ready to be stored.
Storing
Now that you’re done harvesting spaghetti squash, you may be wondering how to store spaghetti squash. You may also wonder how long does spaghetti squash last. There are a few different options here depending on how you’d like to use them. Cooked spaghetti squash can be stored in zip-top bags in the freezer for up to a year. If you plan on using your squash as a pasta alternative, this method works great! Pull your frozen pre-cooked squash to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Heat up your sauce and toss in the squash to heat through.
A less popular way to eat spaghetti squash, but still delicious, is roasted in cubes. You can freeze raw spaghetti squash flesh cubes and roast them as needed or toss them directly into soups and stews. Alternatively, properly cured spaghetti squash will last in a cool, dry environment for up to 3 months. Once the squash has been cut it will last in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Pressure-canning, dehydrating and freeze-drying are all options for much longer-term storage. Don’t forget that the seeds can be roasted, like pumpkin seeds, and eaten as well!
Troubleshooting
A squash plant fully in flower. Source: Spyderella
Learning how to grow spaghetti squash and meeting spaghetti squash needs is relatively easy. There are, however, some pests and diseases that can threaten your plant growth and prevent you from harvesting a good crop.
Growing Problems
Most squash growing problems arise from poor quality soil. If you notice lackluster growth or a failure in blooms formation, then you may consider testing your soil. Make sure the soil is well-draining and not overly moist. Spaghetti squash is also considered a heavy feeder and needs plenty of organic material and/or fertilizer to support its growth. These vegetables will also not tolerate acidic soil. If everything else checks out, then a soil ph test may be necessary to make sure it is within a neutral range.
Like most members of the cucurbit family, spaghetti squash plants have both male and female flowers. The male flower has a long thin base, and the female flower has a tiny spaghetti squash shape at the bottom that will turn into a viable spaghetti squash once it is successfully pollinated. If you notice any shriveling up, then you likely have pollination issues. If the female flowers fail to get pollinated then they will shrivel up and die rather than producing fruit. Attracting pollinators to your garden with companion plants such as dill, chamomile, nasturtium, and other flowering herbs helps with pollination. When all else fails, you can easily hand pollinate to ensure production by taking a q-tip and brushing it on the inside of a male flower and then moving it to the inside of a female.
Pests
Unfortunately, like many members of the Cucurbita family, spaghetti squash also has many common pests that are specialized in destruction. Among these insect pests, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers (SVB), and squash bugs are the most common. SVB, as their name suggests, bore into the vines where they lay their larvae. This prevents the taking up of water, and it will eventually wilt and die. These pests are found in the eastern United States. Once they have bored into the vine, it is possible to bury another section of the vine in the first to get it to root, but this has varying degrees of success depending on the damage that has already been done. Bt spray can be used to destroy vine borers and can even be injected into the stem to kill their larvae.
Crop rotation can be a good preventative measure because it prevents overwintering pests from emerging alongside your newly planted seedlings. Clearing away plants at the end of the season will help prevent them from overwintering in the first place. Once your plant is done for the season, cut at the base as close to the soil level as possible. The roots can be left in place to add organic matter to your soil, while the rest of the plant material should be discarded. It is not recommended to compost plants if you suspect a potential pest issue.
With most of these pests, the best defense is a good offense. Be vigilant and inspect your plants often. Squash beetle eggs are particularly easy to spot. They lay their eggs on the undersides of the leaves, and they appear small oblong and bronze. It’s easy enough to squish them between your fingers. Adult bugs can be picked from the plant and dropped into a bucket of soapy water to kill them. They also make an excellent snack for your chickens.
Diseases
Overwatering can cause the perfect conditions for fungus to take hold, especially in hot and humid climates. Too much moisture splashed onto the foliage during watering can contribute to issues with downy mildew.
Downy mildew is often mistaken for powdery mildew, but it appears as yellow spots on the tops of the leaves with black spore masses on the undersides. In contrast, powdery mildew appears as more of a white flour-like powder on the leaves.
To prevent these issues, always bottom water your plants; neem oil may also be sprayed as a preventative measure to reduce the colonization of spores on foliage. In advanced cases of this mildew, it may be best to remove and destroy infected plant material to prevent it from spreading to nearby healthy plants. After removing infected material, spray neem oil or a liquid copper fungicide onto the remainder of the plant and nearby plants to reduce the risk of further spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
A growing spaghetti squash on the vine. Source: Ian_Harding
Q: How many spaghetti squash do you get from one plant?
A: 4-5 fruits per plant.
Q: How long does it take for spaghetti squash to grow?
A: 90-100 days from seed to harvest
Q: Does spaghetti squash need a trellis?
A: Not necessarily, but this can be a great way to save space in your garden since it loves to sprawl when left uncontained.
Q: Does spaghetti squash like to climb?
A: Yes, it will readily climb up a trellis.
Q: Is spaghetti squash hard to grow?
A: Pest issues can make it more difficult to grow in certain regions. Overall, its needs are easy to meet, and it is easy to grow.
Q: How long does it take for spaghetti squash to grow after flowering?
A: It takes about 60 days for a fully mature spaghetti squash after flowers have been successfully pollinated.
Q: Do squash need full sun?
A: Yes, they need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Q: Can you plant seeds from store-bought spaghetti squash?
A: Yes, however, due to the unknown nature of their previous growing conditions, there may be issues such as cross-pollination that will result in a harvest of fruits that are not true to type.
