Acorn Table Queen Winter Squash: Classic Flavor in an Elegant Package
Acorn Table Queen Winter Squash is a timeless heirloom variety beloved for its distinctive ridged shape, deep green skin, and rich, nutty flavor. Named for its acorn-like appearance, this squash has graced dinner tables for generations. Its perfect individual serving size and reliable productivity make it a favorite among home gardeners and a staple in kitchens across the country.
Planting Acorn Table Queen
Plant seeds directly into the garden after the last frost date, when soil temperatures consistently reach 70°F. These vigorous vining plants need adequate space—allow 4 to 5 feet between plants to accommodate their sprawling growth. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil enriched with compost or aged manure. Full sun exposure is essential for optimal fruit development and flavor.
Water deeply and regularly, providing 1 to 2 inches per week. Water at the base of plants to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk. A layer of mulch helps conserve soil moisture and maintains consistent soil temperature.
Supporting Healthy Growth
Acorn Table Queen plants are generally hardy and productive. Monitor for squash bugs and beetles, removing them by hand when spotted. Fertilize every 3 to 4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, then switch to a potassium-rich formula once flowering begins to support fruit development and enhance sweetness.
As fruits develop, they may benefit from gentle support using soft slings or cradling, especially in smaller gardens where space is limited. This prevents damage from the weight of developing squash.
Harvesting at the Right Time
Acorn Table Queen typically matures in 75 to 90 days. Harvest when the skin is deeply colored and completely hardened—it should resist puncturing with a fingernail. Cut the squash from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving 2 to 3 inches of stem attached. Cure harvested squash in a warm, dry location for 10 to 14 days to harden the skin and prepare it for storage.
Properly cured Acorn Table Queen squash stores well for 2 to 3 months in a cool, dry place, providing fresh produce throughout fall and early winter.
Preparing Acorn Table Queen
The individual size of Acorn Table Queen makes it perfect for single servings or small families. Simply halve the squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and roast cut-side down until the flesh is tender. The sweet, slightly nutty flavor is excellent roasted, baked, or pureed into soups. You can also stuff the halves with grains, vegetables, or other fillings for an elegant presentation. The seeds are delicious when roasted and salted, making this variety economical and satisfying from seed to skin.
All-America Selections Winner! The Table Queen Squash plant produces large 7″ deep green acorn shaped squash.
Grows as a compact bushsize plant (not as a vine)
Extremely flavorful
Dark orange flesh
Excellent sliced, fried, or steamed
Easy to grow even in poor soil
Days to Maturity | Appx. 85 days
Additional Details
Though considered a vegetable in cooking, botanically speaking, squash is a fruit (being the receptacle for the plant’s seeds). Squash can be served fresh (in salads) and cooked (squash stuffed with meat, fried squash, baked squash).
