Move Over, Acorn Squash! Grow Carnival Squash Adored By Gardeners & Chefs

Carnival squash is just one variety of over 100 categorized types of these cucurbits. One of the most colorful squash varieties, the ‘field pumpkin’ (Cucurbita pepo) is a relative of pumpkins and gourds. Carnival acorn squash is a winter squash variety with a hard rind and pleasant flesh. Can you eat carnival squash? Yes, absolutely – and these plump beauties are amongst the most delicious common types of squash you can eat. Carnival squash is most often roasted, where the flesh becomes tender, and it’s a perfect side dish for meats and other main dishes.

Read on to find out how to grow and harvest this cute and colorful squash cultivar, and how to propagate plants for future feasts.

Carnival Squash Care

Key areas of attention for cultivating successful carnival squash, as when growing other squash varieties, are space and support. Factor in ample growing room around individual cucurbit plants (a couple of feet works best), and ideally incorporate some form of climbing support for plants in the form of a trellis or a framework of stakes. When growing carnival squash, you then need to focus on the following for plants that thrive and crops that are as healthy, bountiful and robust as possible.

• Light:
  As you will find when growing winter squash, carnivals need at least six hours of full sun daily. A lighting range of eight-ten hours per day will result in more blossoms and therefore fruits. Plant seeds in a sunny location of the garden in prepared soil.
• Watering:
  Seeds and seedlings should be kept moist but not soggy. As the plant matures, it is best to water deeply but infrequently. This allows the plant to develop deep roots and makes them more drought-tolerant. Water when the top few inches (8cm) feel dry to the touch. As with butternut squash, water once or twice a week with two inches (5cm) of water. The best time to water is early morning. This reduces evaporation and allows the plant to uptake moisture. It will also cut down on fungal disease by allowing the leaves to dry quickly.
• Temperature & Humidity:
  The seed may be planted in soil that has warmed to 65°F (18°C) but a temperature of 70°F (21°C) will result in quicker germination. During the growing period, the ideal temperature range is 50-60°F (10-15.5°C) with a 50 percent humidity. Squash plants can tolerate a light frost for a few hours, but if temperatures drop below freezing they will need a blanket or frost-free fabric for protection.
• Soil and Compost:
  Fertile, loose, well-draining soil is a must. Sand, loam and light clay are all fine. A soil pH of 6-6.8 is perfect. Incorporate compost, leaf litter or other organic soil amendments prior to planting to loosen soil, help hold moisture, and enhance the nutrient level of the soil.
• Fertilizer Needs:
  Squash are heavy feeders and need plenty of nutrients to produce the heaithiest, sweetest squash fruits. Incorporate compost to the soil prior to planting or mix in a fertilizer with a ratio of 5-10-10. You can side dress with well-rotted manure, add compost to top the hills, or use compost tea every two-three weeks. If using a synthetic fertilizer, use a balanced ratio. After fertilizing, water the material in well to help release the nutrients and prevent foliage burn.
  

Problems, Pests & Diseases

Overwatering and watering overhead can cause fungal disease. There are many pests of squash. To prevent some issues, use row covers or hoop houses in the plant’s early development. Squash vine borers, squash bugs, striped cucumber beetles and aphids are the top pests. Aphids may transmit viruses that can damage the plant. Fusarium, downy mold and foot rot are the usually encountered diseases.

Carnival Squash Propagation

The most common method of growing carnival squash is from seed, but it may also be propagated from cuttings. You may start seed indoors three weeks prior to the last date of frost or directly into the ground once the soil has warmed. For stem cuttings, choose healthy stems with two or three growth nodes. Place the cut end into rich, loose soil in a sunny location.

Repotting Carnival Squash

Winter squash are not often grown in a container. However, it is possible to grow squash in containers with a large enough vessel and support. Young plants should be replanted into larger containers as they outgrow their nursery pots. By the time the plant produces its first flower, it should be in a container large enough to sustain it for the remainder of the season. Stakes or trellises can be used to grow vertically and support the vines.

Harvesting Carnival Squash

Carnival squash is ready to harvest about 55 days after fruit has started to appear. All the fruit should be harvested before the first frost. When harvesting squash, cut the fruits off with pruners or a knife. Sun cure for five-seven days. You can also cure them indoors in an area with a temperature of 80°F (27°C) and good ventilation. These should then be stored where temperatures range from 50-60°F (10-15.5°C) and humidity of 50-70 percent. The fruits will keep for several months in cooler temperatures with good air movement.

Frequently Asked Questions