Whether you garden in the ground, in raised beds, or in containers, pumpkins and other squashes are great additions or re-additions to your plant family. Read on for simple, straightforward specifics about growing squash.
For purposes of this article, we are considering summer and winter squashes all together unless otherwise mentioned, as they share many of the same growing habits and preferences. Pumpkins are winter squashes, and they are included in mentions of squash as well.
Our simple uses articles separate the summer and winter squash categories since they are used differently in culinary settings. See the bottom of this article for more information.
Jump to:
Family | Container Size | Good Companions | Bad Companions | Soil Conditions | Germination | Sun | Water | Temperature Range | Height | Lifespan | Reproduction | Yield Per Plant | Ingestibility | Further Reading
What Family Does Squash Belong To?
Squashes (Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita maxima, and Cucurbita mixta) belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, also known as the melon family.
Some of their relatives include cucumbers, watermelons, and cantaloupes.
What Size Container Should I Use for Growing Squash?
The minimum container size recommended for squash is 1 foot deep and 2 feet wide.
Learn more in our Choosing the Right Planter for Your Container Garden article here.
What Are Good Companion Plants for Squash?
Some of squash's best companions are as follows:
- Sunflower
- Mints such as peppermint and spearmint
- Peas
- Beans like green beans
- Corn
- Sorghum
- Lettuce
- Melons
- Radish
- Borage, which improves the flavor of squash
- Marigold
- Nasturtium
- Lovage
What Are Bad Companion Plants for Squash?
Squash is not compatible with every plant. Some things to avoid planting with squash are as follows:
What Soil Conditions Does Squash Need?
Squash prefers rich, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
How Long Does Squash Take to Germinate?
Squash takes 4-10 days to germinate at a temperature of 60-105°F.
How Much Sun Does Squash Need?
Squash needs full sun.
Sun recommendations can vary by region, and squash grown in hot areas or in warmer conditions than the ideal temperature range noted below may need more shade.
How Much Water Does Squash Need?
Squash needs 1 inch of water per week.
What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Growing Squash?
Squash grows fastest in temperatures of 60-85°F.
This is its ideal temperature range. Although it will grow in temperatures both cooler and warmer than this range, the growth could be slower or even stunted.
Minimum and maximum temperatures will vary by variety. Some squash varieties are bred for late fall harvests and others for warmer climates.
How Tall Does Squash Get?
The average height of squash is 2-10 feet.
It also spreads at least 1-6 feet wide.
Is Squash Annual, Biennial, or Perennial?
Squash is an annual vegetable, meaning that it starts and ends its life in the same year.
How Does Squash Reproduce?
Squash reproduces by seed.
How Much Squash is Produced Per Plant?
For squash, how much is produced per plant (also called the yield) largely depends on the type and variety.
Most types of squash produce 5-6 fruits (squashes) per plant.
Can Squash Be Ingested?
Squash fruits, blossoms, and seeds are edible. Squash leaves and stems are edible after they have been cooked.
Squash seeds have tonic and nervine properties and can be used in herbal preparations. The most common preparations are tea (decoction) and tinctures. An herb:solvent weight ratio of 1:3 at 40% alcohol is suggested for a squash seed tincture.
There are no known safety concerns associated with ingesting squash fruits, blossoms, leaves, stems, or seeds.
Further Reading
This article is intended as a quick-reference guide for gardeners. Consult your seed packet or seed catalog for variety-specific information.
When you have a bumper crop of squash rolling in, you may not have enough time for long, complicated recipes or many-step preservation procedures. Check out my articles on quick, simple uses for summer squash and winter squash below!
Squash is featured in these Plant to Plate articles: