{"product_id":"table-queen-acorn-squash-matchesseeds","title":"Table Queen Acorn Squash","description":"\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003eTable Queen Acorn Squash\u003c\/b\u003e (also known as Des Moines or Danish Squash) is a legendary heirloom acorn squash introduced in 1913. It is highly prized for its reliable performance in short-season climates like ours in Canada.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"2,0,0\"\u003eType:\u003c\/b\u003e Winter Squash (Acorn)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"2,1,0\"\u003eMaturity:\u003c\/b\u003e 80–90 days\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"2,2,0\"\u003eFruit Size:\u003c\/b\u003e ~6 inches (15 cm) in diameter; 1–2 lbs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"2,3,0\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/b\u003e Deeply ribbed, dark green skin with pale yellow to golden-orange flesh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"2,4,0\"\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/b\u003e Sweet and nutty; often compared to sweet potato when roasted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eGrowing Guide for Canada\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eGiven our shorter growing window and risk of early fall frosts, timing is everything for Table Queen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e1. Starting \u0026amp; Planting\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\"\u003eIndoor Start:\u003c\/b\u003e Start seeds \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"26\" data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\"\u003e3 weeks before the last frost\u003c\/b\u003e (usually early to mid-May). Use peat or paper pots, as squash roots are sensitive and dislike being disturbed during transplanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\"\u003eDirect Sowing:\u003c\/b\u003e Only sow directly once the soil has warmed to at least \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"70\" data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\"\u003e18°C-21°C\u003c\/b\u003e (usually early June).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\"\u003eMethod:\u003c\/b\u003e Plant in \"hills\" (small mounds). Space hills about \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"59\" data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\"\u003e3–4 feet apart\u003c\/b\u003e for bush varieties or \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"96\" data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\"\u003e6 feet\u003c\/b\u003e for vining types. Sow 4–6 seeds per hill, 1 inch deep, and thin to the strongest 2–3 plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e2. Care \u0026amp; Maintenance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"9,0,0\"\u003eSun:\u003c\/b\u003e Requires \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"14\" data-path-to-node=\"9,0,0\"\u003efull sun\u003c\/b\u003e (6+ hours per day).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"9,1,0\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/b\u003e Consistent moisture is key. Aim for about \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"52\" data-path-to-node=\"9,1,0\"\u003e1 inch of water per week\u003c\/b\u003e, watering at the base to keep leaves dry and prevent powdery mildew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"9,2,0\"\u003ePollination:\u003c\/b\u003e Like most squash, Table Queen has separate male and female flowers. Ensure you have pollinators (bees) or hand-pollinate if you notice small fruit shriveling and falling off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e3. Harvesting \u0026amp; Storage\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"11,0,0\"\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/b\u003e Pick before the first hard frost. You’ll know they are ready when the skin is hard enough that it can't be punctured by a fingernail and the \"ground spot\" (where it touches the earth) turns orange.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"11,1,0\"\u003eThe Stem Rule:\u003c\/b\u003e Always cut the squash with \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"42\" data-path-to-node=\"11,1,0\"\u003e2–3 inches of stem\u003c\/b\u003e attached. Removing the stem entirely creates an entry point for rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"11,2,0\"\u003eStorage:\u003c\/b\u003e Table Queen is an excellent \"keeper.\" Store in a cool, dry place (10°C–13°C) for \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"90\" data-path-to-node=\"11,2,0\"\u003e2–3 months\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matches Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51745651196184,"sku":"MS26-753Z05-CS26","price":3.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/6497\/1032\/files\/Table_Queen_Acorn_Squash_MatchesSeeds.png?v=1772580717","url":"https:\/\/matchesseeds.ca\/fr\/products\/table-queen-acorn-squash-matchesseeds","provider":"Matches Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}