Days to Maturity: 105
Mashed Potato Winter Squash is a winter acorn squash, named for its appearance after cooking. These squash weigh 1 to 1½ lbs and have a stark white rind and nearly white flesh that resembles mashed potatoes when baked and fluffed. Although the texture will be lighter and fluffier than potatoes, the flavor is almost identical. This squash can also be roasted, boiled, or steamed and used as a potato substitution in a variety of dishes, even potato salad. Winter squash is high in fiber, protein, magnesium, potassium, vitamins B6 and C as well as the carotenoids beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
An herbaceous annual, Mashed Potato Winter Squash is a member of the cucurbit (Cucurbitaceae) family. It grows as a short, restricted vine with a spreading habit that will trail along the ground or climb by tendrils. Expect 3 to 4 squash per plant, set mostly on the crown.
Winter squash is easy to grow from seed, growing best in sunny locations with fertile, organically rich, medium moist, well-draining loams having a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Avoid over watering.
A warm-season vegetable, sensitive to cold temperatures and frost, winter squash can be direct sown into warm spring soil after all danger of frost has passed, but it can also be started indoors about 3 weeks before transplanting. Flowers begin to set fruit with day temperatures between 68° and 72°F and night temperatures between 60° and 65°F. Protect plants if temperatures are expected to dip below 50°F. Mulching helps to moderate soil temperature and to maintain soil moisture. Row covers offer added protection from heavy frost.
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
