From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Kentucky

Is keeping squash covered the way to get them to get there color dark or exposed to some sun? Thanks

6/16/2019 8:38:07 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

As with pumpkins, I believe it is more genetics then anything else. I keep them covered until the very end of the season.

6/16/2019 10:18:30 PM

Sourthern Utah

i have learned,, squash prefer slightly cooler temps, growing,, shaded plants seem to grow better in high temps, just me

6/16/2019 10:48:07 PM

Lexington, Ky

I'll expand on Jay's reply. Some genetic lines will benefit from exposure to sun, some lines have to be covered at all times, some lines like a combination of both.

The darker green lines tend to turn orange on the top with a lot of sun exposure.

The light green lines...well, you'll have to experiment.

There are quite a few experienced green growers that can give you better advice if you'll post a diary picture up say after day 30 DAP.

Good luck my friend!

6/17/2019 6:48:33 AM

50 Acres

Any squash I've had were kept covered and cool till the last couple of weeks of growth. Then exposed to the sun for color. Jim

6/17/2019 9:14:48 AM

Kirkland,WA

Team Wexler makes a good point on genetics. In my case it is always cover. This saved me last year where one of my plants had pumpkin mixed in and others growing it uncovered had it turn yellow or white and go pumpkin. Mine stayed pale green and didn't yellow until being exposed on display after the weigh off. Fortunately I bred a pure green line back into it. So no more worries. I have noticed in our patch, if exposed early to sun the squash sometimes go down.

7/27/2019 8:10:36 AM