{"product_id":"table-queen-acorn-winter-squash-seeds-organic","title":"Table Queen Acorn Winter Squash Seeds (Organic)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Squash\u003c\/strong\u003e - Table Queen Acorn - \u003ci\u003eCucurbita pepo\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTender Annual\u003c\/strong\u003e Heirloom. Ribbed fruit is 6\" by 4\", 1-2 lb with a small seed cavity and hard, green rind. Sweet flesh is light-yellow to deep-orange. The plant grows as a bush about 3' across and 10-12\" high; very vigorous and prolific. Withstands poor soil conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/strong\u003e Winter squash is an excellent source of beta-carotene and a good source of potassium, niacin, and iron.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil \u0026amp; Water:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide squash plants with deep mounds of organic matter, rich soil, and heavy, even water. All squash are extremely frost sensitive, so use mulch to heat soils in early spring and row covers to protect from frost at both ends of the growing cycle, especially in short growing seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Growing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost, or sow seed directly once soils are at least 70F.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting \u0026amp; Storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest when stems begin to shrivel or you can no longer pierce the skin with a thumbnail, but before the first hard frost. Cut squash from the vine leaving 2\"-3\" of stem attached. Allow to cure in the sun for 10 days to finish hardening the skins. Store in cool, dry conditions. To minimize the spread of rots, store in a single layer and do not allow squashes to touch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Temperature: \u003c\/strong\u003e70-95°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Depth: \u003c\/strong\u003e1\/2\"-1\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination: \u003c\/strong\u003e6-10 Days\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight At Maturity: \u003c\/strong\u003eVine\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays To Maturity: \u003c\/strong\u003e58-90 Days\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun\/Shade: \u003c\/strong\u003eFull Sun\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing After Thinning: \u003c\/strong\u003e12\"-18\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApprox Seeds per Pack: \u003c\/strong\u003e25 \u003cstrong\u003e| Per 1\/4 lb bulk:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1,385\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eWinter Squash 'Table Queen Bush,' scientifically known as \u003ci\u003eCucurbita pepo\u003c\/i\u003e, is a delightful addition to any home garden. Known for its compact growth habit and rich, nutty flavor, this variety of winter squash offers not only culinary versatility but also an excellent storage life. In this informative guide, we'll delve into the characteristics, cultivation tips, and culinary uses of Winter Squash 'Table Queen Bush.'\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2 style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnveiling Winter Squash 'Table Queen Bush':\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003col\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompact Growth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Table Queen Bush' is a bush-type winter squash, which means it exhibits a compact growth habit. Unlike sprawling vining varieties, this bush squash is ideal for smaller garden spaces or even container gardening.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e The fruit of 'Table Queen Bush' is a classic winter squash, typically weighing around 2-3 pounds. It features a dark green, slightly ribbed skin and bright orange flesh. The flesh is renowned for its sweet, nutty flavor, making it a favorite among home cooks and gardeners.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage Qualities:\u003c\/strong\u003e One of the standout features of this winter squash is its exceptional storage capabilities. When properly cured and stored in a cool, dry place, 'Table Queen Bush' can last for several months, providing a steady supply of fresh squash during the winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile Culinary Uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e This winter squash variety is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. You can roast it, mash it, puree it for soups, or even use it as a filling for pies and casseroles. Its sweet, nutty taste pairs well with a variety of spices and flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003ch2 style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultivating Winter Squash 'Table Queen Bush':\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003col\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose a sunny spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Well-drained soil with organic matter is crucial for healthy squash growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e In regions with a shorter growing season, start 'Table Queen Bush' seeds indoors a few weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant the seedlings into your garden once all risk of frost has passed. Space the plants about 3-4 feet apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Squash plants require consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Be sure to water deeply when the soil becomes dry, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFertilization:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prior to planting, incorporate organic compost or well-balanced fertilizer into the soil. Fertilize again when the plants begin to develop fruits to ensure proper nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Winter squash plants, including 'Table Queen Bush,' rely on pollinators like bees for successful fruit set. Encourage pollination by planting pollinator-friendly flowers nearby.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003ch2 style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting and Culinary Enjoyment:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003col\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Table Queen Bush' winter squash is typically ready for harvest in late summer to early fall, around 80-100 days after planting. To determine readiness, check the skin's hardness and color. The skin should be hard and dark green.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cure freshly harvested squash by allowing it to sit in a warm, dry area for about a week. Once cured, store the squash in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or pantry, where it can remain fresh for several months.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCulinary Delights:\u003c\/strong\u003e The sweet and nutty flavor of 'Table Queen Bush' squash makes it a star ingredient in a wide range of dishes. Roast it with olive oil and herbs, mash it with butter and spices, or create creamy soups and stews.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eWinter Squash 'Table Queen Bush' is a garden gem that combines ease of cultivation with delicious culinary possibilities. Its compact growth habit, rich flavor, and impressive storage life make it a valuable addition to any home garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice, growing 'Table Queen Bush' squash can bring year-round flavor and satisfaction to your kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eRead about how to harvest winter squash in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.groworganic.com\/blogs\/tip-of-the-week\/how-to-best-harvest-and-store-your-winter-squash\"\u003erecent blog\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Pack","offer_id":47367776108774,"sku":"SNV8251","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1\/4 lb","offer_id":47367776141542,"sku":"SNV8251B","price":38.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0467\/1009\/6031\/files\/organic-squash-winter-table-queen-acorn.jpg?v=1771516576","url":"https:\/\/guilford-garden-center.myshopify.com\/products\/table-queen-acorn-winter-squash-seeds-organic","provider":"Guilford Garden Center","version":"1.0","type":"link"}