Grow & Care - Summer Squash
Fast Facts
| Light Requirements |
Full sun |
| Temperature Adaptations |
Tender - plant on average date of last spring frost - about the same time that the first apples bloom. |
| Acidity (pH) Tolerance |
6.8 to 5.5 |
| Salinity (Ec) Tolerance |
3.2 to 4.7 depending on variety |
| How Pollinated |
Insect |
| Growth Habits |
Annual |
Additional Information
Fertilizer Requirements
In spring apply between 1 1/2 and 2 pounds of complete fertilizer (20-20-20) per 100 feet of row.
Water Utilization
Water deeply when soil is dry. During fruit production, avoid large fluctuations in soil moisture to prevent blossom end rot.
Plant Development and Care
Plants emerge in 3 to 5 days in adequately warm soil and quickly develop true leaves. When first true leaves develop, thin the plants saving the best three or four plants per hill. Cut the plant tops off those selected for removal to avoid damage to the other plant roots.
Most summer squash have a bush habit and many are bred for compact size. Plan on 4 square feet for each plant.
Water regularly to wet the soil to 10 to 20 inches deep. Drip or ground irrigation is preferable to overhead sprinkling to discourage diseases.
Use of black or clear plastic mulch cuts down the need for frequent watering. Clear plastic heats the soil and encourages rapid growth and development.
Germination Time (Days)
3 to 5 days
Seed Germination and Temperature Range
70° to 80° F soil temperature
Common Fertilizer Deficiencies
None
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Container Gardens