Harvesting Spaghetti Squash: A Comprehensive Guide to Picking and Storing

by Keira January 9, 2021

written by Keira January 9, 2021

When to Pick Spaghetti Squash for the Perfect Harvest

Knowing When to Harvest

Spaghetti squash is ready for harvest when it meets the following criteria:

Uniformly deep golden yellow rind
Hard rind that cannot be easily dented with a fingernail
Stem has turned from green and supple to brown and hard

Harvesting Spaghetti Squash

Inspect the Stem: Look for stems that have turned brown and hard.
Check the Color: Ensure the entire rind is a deep golden yellow, free of light-colored or green spots.
Test the Rind: Gently press or scratch the rind with your fingernail. If it doesn’t leave a mark, the squash is ready.
Cut the Stem: Use a sharp pruner to cut the stem, leaving 3-4 inches attached to the squash.
Handle with Care: Support the body of the squash when handling to avoid breaking the stem.
Cure: Place the squash in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated location for 1-2 weeks. Ideal temperatures for curing are 80-85°F.

Storing Spaghetti Squash

Properly harvested and cured spaghetti squash can be stored for up to two months in a cool, dry place like a pantry. Ideal storage temperatures range from 55-60°F.

Ripening Off the Vine

Hard frost can damage spaghetti squash, reducing its storage life. However, if it’s necessary to harvest before the squash is fully ripe, it will continue to mature off the vine for several weeks:

Wash and Dry: Wash and thoroughly dry the harvested squash.
Place in a Sunny Window: Position the squash in a sunny window with the unripe portion facing the sun.
Turn Regularly: Rotate the squash every few days to promote even ripening.
Patience: It may take 2-3 weeks for the squash to fully ripen off the vine.

FAQs

Can You Pick Spaghetti Squash Too Early? Yes, it’s common for gardeners to harvest spaghetti squash prematurely. Check the stem, color, and rind to determine readiness.
Should You Pick Spaghetti Squash Before It Turns Yellow? No, wait until the entire rind has turned a deep golden yellow before harvesting. However, if frost forces an early harvest, partially ripe squash can still ripen off the vine.

Additional Tips

Spaghetti squash has a long growing season of 90-110 days.
Northern gardeners typically start harvesting in September.
Avoid picking up the squash by the stem, as it can weaken the shelf life.
Hard frost can lead to a mushy rind and reduced storage life.

Keira

Keira is a seasoned gardener with a rich background in education and a passion for transforming even the smallest, most challenging spaces into lush, productive gardens. With over two decades of experience in both teaching and gardening, she brings a unique blend of skills and insights to Life Science Art, where she shares her expertise through engaging and informative articles. Keira's journey into gardening began in her early years, inspired by her grandmother's ability to coax vibrant blooms and hearty vegetables from the rocky soil of their family farm. This early exposure to the wonders of gardening planted a seed of curiosity and love for plants that has only grown over the years. Before fully immersing herself in the world of gardening, Keira spent many years as a special education teacher. This role honed her patience, creativity, and problem-solving skills—qualities that have proven invaluable in her gardening endeavors. Her teaching experience also gave her a deep understanding of the diverse needs and capabilities of individuals, which she now applies to helping others learn to garden effectively, regardless of their starting point. Keira specializes in small-space gardening, low-income gardening, and cultivating plants in poor soil conditions. She understands that not everyone has access to vast, fertile lands or unlimited resources, and she is dedicated to making gardening accessible and rewarding for everyone. Living in urban areas or having limited outdoor space shouldn't be a barrier to enjoying the benefits of gardening. Keira has mastered the art of maximizing every inch of available space, whether it's a tiny balcony, a cramped backyard, or a window sill. Her innovative techniques and creative solutions help her readers grow a variety of plants in the most confined spaces. Keira is also a strong advocate for low-income gardening. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to grow their own food and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening, regardless of their financial situation. Through her articles, she shares practical tips on budget-friendly gardening methods, repurposing household items, and making the most of available resources. Her advice empowers individuals and families to start and maintain gardens without breaking the bank. Not everyone is blessed with rich, loamy soil. Keira's expertise extends to growing plants in less-than-ideal soil conditions. She provides guidance on improving soil quality, selecting hardy plant varieties, and employing sustainable practices to ensure a bountiful harvest, even in challenging environments. Her hands-on experience and proven techniques help gardeners turn even the poorest soil into a thriving garden. Keira's contributions to Life Science Art are invaluable. Her articles cover a wide range of topics, from step-by-step guides on planting and maintaining specific types of gardens to tips on dealing with common gardening challenges. She also delves into the science behind plant growth, soil health, and sustainable gardening practices, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Beyond her technical expertise, Keira's writing is infused with warmth and encouragement. She understands that gardening is not just about growing plants; it's about fostering a connection with nature, finding peace and fulfillment, and building a community. Her personal anecdotes and down-to-earth advice resonate with readers, inspiring them to embark on their own gardening journeys with confidence and joy. Keira invites you to join her on Life Science Art, where she shares her wealth of knowledge and passion for gardening. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, her articles offer valuable insights, practical tips, and the inspiration you need to create your own green oasis. Discover the joys of gardening with Keira as your guide and unlock the potential of your outdoor space, no matter how small or challenging it may be.