Squash - Ebony Acorn

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CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
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Approximately 12 seeds per gram.
Cucurbita maxima
Lot# SQ34121
Ebony Acorn Squash produces a  striking slightly ribbed  dark green to black acorn type squash that is 15 cm by 12 cm (5” by 6”) and weighs about 1 kg (2 lbs). The solid squash has thick walls and a small seed cavity.  The flesh is a deep-orange yellow and is fine-textured, tender, dry and sweet.  An early prolific producer that grows 45-61 cm (18-24”) tall.  Trailing vines can reach 2.4-3 m (8’-10’) long and support about 12 or more squash.  Ebony Acorn are more productive and larger-fruited than the Table Queen squash.  A very good keeper.
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 Planting Instructions:   
  • Squash seedlings do not really transplant that well, but it can be done if you are careful. Start transplants at least 3-4 weeks before last spring frost.  Sow 2 or 3 seeds 12 mm-2.5 cm (½-1”) deep in pots.  When the seedlings are 5-7 cm (2-3”) tall, select the strongest seedling and thin to 1 plant per pot using scissors. Harden off seedlings gradually by cutting back on water and expose them to sunlight daily.  Seedlings should have more than 2 to 3 true leaves prior to transplanting outside. Transplant once the soil is warm up to at least 15-21˚C (60-70˚F).   Plant 2-3 transplants per hill. .  Space hills 1.8-3 m (6-10’) apart.  If planting in rows space seedlings at 61-91 cm (24-36”) apart.  Space rows 1.8-3 m (6-10’) apart.
  • Direct sow seeds into garden from late May to mid-June.  Sow 4 or 6 seeds 12 mm- 2.5 cm (½-1”) deep into hills that are 1.8-3 m (6-10’) apart.  Thin seedlings to 3 per hill.  
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 6.0-7.5 
  • Planting Depth:   Sow seeds 12 mm- 2.5 cm (½-1”) deep. 
  • Germination:  7-12 days.
  • Height at Maturity: Plants reach 45-61 cm (18-24”) tall. Vines can easily reach 2.4-3 m (8’-10’).
  • Days to Maturity:   80-90 days.
  • Watering:  Ebony Acorn is deeply rooted, so water slowly with 2.5 cm (1") of water per week. Allow it to completely soak the soil 15-20 cm (6-8”) deep. This will ensure good growth, whether the plants are grown in single hills or wide rows. The amount of rain that falls during the week will help supplement how much you should water your garden.  Soil should remain mildly moist. Do not water shallowly. Avoid getting water on the leaves to help control diseases.  Water in the morning if possible to allow leaves to dry if they do get wet.  This will help in preventing leaf diseases.  Decrease watering later in the season to encourage fruit to mature.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun     
  • Spacing after Thinning:   Space transplant 2-3 plants per hill that are1.8-3 m (6-10’) apart. 
Additional Information
Ebony Acorn Squash is ready to harvest when a finger nail cannot puncture the outside. It can stay on the vine for several weeks even after it is ripe. Though the vine may not survive the first frost, the fruits can still be harvested. To harvest, cut squash from the vine but leave a 5 cm (2”) stem on the squash to help preserve moisture. By the time it is harvested there is usually little reason to worry about damaging the vine, as it will soon succumb to winter.
Ebony Acorn will last several months if stored in a cool dry (but not too dry) place. Cooked squash can be refrigerated for about four days. Once cooked, it may also be frozen for extended periods.  One of our recipes for Acorn squash is to simply cut each squash in half, remove the seeds, rinse and place squash in a baking dish. Fill each cavity with the desired amount of maple syrup, a bit of brown sugar and a pat of butter and a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon. Add a half cup of water to the bottom of the baking dish, cover and bake until tender at 350°F for about 40-50 minutes.