How To Start Squash Seeds

Sow seed ½ to 1 inch (13mm-2.5 cm) deep. Seeds germinate in 7 to 10 days at 85°F (29°C) or warmer. Transplant summer squash into the garden after the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C). Space plants in the garden 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) apart in all directions.

How do you prepare squash seeds for planting?

Wash the seeds to remove any flesh and strings. Cure the seeds by laying them out in a single layer on a paper towel to dry. Store them this way in a place that is dry and out of direct sunlight. Once thoroughly dried, in 3 to 7 days, store them in an envelope in a cool dry place with the rest of your seed supply.

Should I soak squash seeds before planting?

It is recommended that you only soak most seeds for 12 to 24 hours and no more than 48 hours. After soaking your seeds, they can be planted as directed. The benefit of soaking seeds before planting is that your germination time will be reduced, which means you can have happy, growing plants faster.

Should you start squash seeds indoors?

Starting Winter Squash Indoors You’ll want to sow about two seeds in each individual pot around 4 weeks before your last predicted frost. The seeds will not germinate below 66˚F, which means by starting indoors you can help control that soil temperature and get good germination.

How long do squash seeds take to germinate?

Sow the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep and space them apart 12 to 18 inches, as the squash plants can become quite large. Seeds should germinate within 7 to 10 days if the weather is warm enough. If you are transplanting seedlings to the garden, wait until it has been 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost.

Can I plant squash seeds straight from the squash?

Before planting, allow the squash to ripen until it’s almost but not quite rotting. Then be sure to separate the flesh from the seeds and then allow them to dry before planting. Select the largest, most mature seeds to plant.

What month do you plant squash?

Most summer squash require 50 to 65 frost free days to mature. That means you can safely plant squash in the last week or two of spring. Winter squashes take a bit longer: 60 to 100 frost free days to mature. You can still sow winter squash seeds in late spring and get to harvest before the first frost in most regions.

How many squash seeds are in a hole?

Traditionally 6-8 seeds are placed 1″ deep in each hole; when seedlings reach 3 inches, thin to two seedlings. Summer squash hills should be placed 3 feet apart each way; plant 6 or 7 seeds per hill and thin to the 3 strongest seedlings when the plants are 3 inches high.

Do seeds need to dry before planting?

Seeds need to properly mature, the seed coating needs to dry and cure, and they need a rest period prior to planting. That way you don’t have an impermeable seed coat that will not allow water in and will grow foul and rotten before the embryo can germinate.

How do you use hydrogen peroxide for seeds?

Soak your seeds in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. Rinse the seeds several times with water before planting and plant them as usual. Doing this breaks down the hard outer covering of the seeds and kills any pathogen present on them.

How many squash will one plant produce?

The acorn squash plant has a high yield, with some varieties, such as “Honey Bear,” producing up to five fruits per plant. By comparison, butternut squash yields an average of three to four fruits per plant, while most pumpkin varieties yield only one to two fruits per plant.

What time of day is best to plant seeds?

Planting in the morning may be best. “In the morning sow thy seed,” according to Ecclesiastes, and it is not bad advice for gardeners. Morning planting offers a seed more of what it needs to germinate and fewer dangers.

Does squash need full sun?

They need full sun, consistent moisture, and rich, organic soil. You can start squash by seed directly in the garden once all danger of frost has passed. Squash plants have both male and female flowers on each plant. The two types of flowers look quite different, so observe them carefully.

Why won’t my squash seeds germinate?

Also, be sure you’re sowing seeds at the right time. Zucchini seeds won’t germinate if it’s too cold. The soil needs to be above 60°F for seeds to sprout. Starting seeds indoors and using a heat mat can give them a healthy start, with conditions just right for germination.

Which way do you plant squash seeds?

Seeds with points such as watermelon, cucumber, squash, pumpkin and corn should be planted point or radicle down. This gives the seed a head start as the root will emerge from the radicle and head straight down, while the shoot or stem will work toward the sun. The radicle or point is toward the bottom of the photos.

How long soak squash seeds before planting?

Overnight is usually good. Many sources recommend 8-12 hours and no more than 24 hours. Again, too much soaking and the seeds will start to decompose. If you use very hot water, the soaking time will decrease.

When can I plant squash outside?

Quick Guide to Growing Squash Plant summer squash when all chances of frost have passed; winter squash can be planted in mid-summer. Give squash plants room to sprawl by planting them 3 to 6 feet apart. Grow them in an area that gets 6 or more hours of sun and has rich, well-drained soil.

Can you save seeds from store bought squash?

The seed from store purchased squash will almost certainly be viable. Crossing is the greatest problem with such seed. Commercial producers are not trying to produce seed, so they often plant more than one variety of the same species.

Do squash seeds need light to germinate?

Fourth, remember that squash seeds do not need light to germinate. If you start squash seeds indoors, give the seedlings bright overhead lights after germination.

Should I pinch off squash flowers?

Removing squash flowers helps you control the productivity of a plant. Squash plants tend to produce more male flowers than female, but you can remove the excess male blooms so the plants can focus on fruit development. The blossoms are also edible.

Can squash grow in pots?

Answer: Bush squashes grow beautifully in large containers. You can find bush zucchini, summer squash, pumpkins, and winter squash. I plant mine in containers that are at least 24-inches across and 12 to 18 inches deep. Here are my top varieties for container growing.