The spaghetti squash is a type of plantation that does not require much maintenance; hence, you can grow it in different soils.
That’s why many gardeners have wondered about the process of growing spaghetti squash in a container.
If you have the same question, this post is a perfect site for you to land on. Besides, I will present further information about the proper time and caring tips that are worth your consideration.
Let’s check it out!
What To Do For Growing Spaghetti Squash In A Container?
To grow spaghetti squash in containers, the potting soil must ensure its drainage capacity.
Whenever you put the soil into a container, ensure it retains a proper level of moisture and dampness.
On the other hand, suppose the soil is waterlogged; the plant could be soaked in water, gradually resulting in death. Moreover, space is also a concern you should notice closely.
If you are growing spaghetti squash seeds in the container, you must prepare a container that is spacious enough for them to develop and facilitate the vines’ spreading.
In this case, installing a sturdy trellis is highly recommended.
If you don’t have one, try an alternative method of placing the spot near a chain link fence or any vertical surface, which helps the vines climb freely.
When To Plant Spaghetti Squash Seeds?
To ensure the maximum planting success rate, you have to care about the length of your growing season.
The reason is that most spaghetti squash varieties require about 100 days to grow to full maturity.
If you live in a region, especially the northern growing zone, where the growing season is quite short with fewer than 100 days free of frost, it is advised to plant the seeds about 4 weeks before the last experienced spring frost.
It would be best to grow them indoors and use a grow light to facilitate their development. Another option is to grow the “Small Wonder” species that can reach full maturity within 80 days.
Hence, it is less susceptible to the attack of cold spells.
Suppose you reside in the spaghetti squash’s growing zone, where frost-free days last more than 100 days; you can plant it outdoors and directly into the garden.
It’s still okay to plant the seeds indoors, yet you may spend more time and effort transplanting them to the outdoor environment, as sunlight is much better than a grow light.
Apart from that, indoor planting can be counterproductive for some types of squash varieties.
What Spaghetti Squash Needs To Flourish?
Every spaghetti squash species needs good environmental conditions to thrive. The growing requirements are the same for all plant types, and here are some caring tips you should know.
Below are several tips for caring and growing spaghetti squash for you to consider.
Soil Composition & pH
As mentioned earlier, the ground must be well-drained and ensure proper soil moisture for your plant’s development. Besides, the nutrient-rich soil is a plus with the pH level ranging from 6.0 to 6.5.
If the soil in your living area is not good, try the method of mixing soils.
Although the mixed soil doesn’t contain as much nutrition and dampness as the good one does, it can somehow help ameliorate the bad situation you are struggling with.
Another feasible approach is adding compost and organic mulch, such as coconut mulch to the ground. This fresh layer not only retains water but also supplies many organic materials for your soil.
Light And Temperature
The spaghetti squash requires about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. A sufficient amount of sun exposure creates optimal conditions for the photosynthesis process to occur.
Besides, it would be best to use direct sunlight instead of growing light for the best development.
However, in the summer, when the sunlight becomes more intense, you should reduce the exposure length by moving it from a sunny location to partial shade.
Otherwise, prepare a cover over the potted spaghetti squashes to block the harsh sunlight. This prevents the problem of sunburned foliage.
Given the temperature, spaghetti squash can live in the USDA zone 2 to 11, where the weather is ideal, at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the temperature range is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, implement prompt measures to protect your healthy plant.
Fertilizing Requirements
Applying fertilizer to the plant is recommended. You should choose a product that is phosphorus-rich or a granular fertilizer.
One tip for you is not to over-fertilize it because the plant cannot release the total toxic components, which harms the plant’s health and even consumers eating it.
Remember to choose a good-quality fertilizer produced by a reliable brand. Fake products are notorious for their bad quality and excessive toxicity, degrading the spaghetti squash’s development.
Watering
Giving your plant enough water per week is necessary. You’d better water your spaghetti squash plants well, about 2 to 3 inches in the ground.
It is never a wise move to overwater your plant. Watering too much causes it to be soaked in water, rendering the root rot and affecting its ability to absorb nutrients.
On the other hand, underwatering is not good as well. Insufficient water is conducive to the plant’s hindered growth and leaf wilting in the long run.
Other related processes, like photosynthesis, don’t occur normally without enough water. It is the best bet to add water to the soil and the plant’s root instead of pouring onto its body.
Pruning Spaghetti Squash
Pruning is another aspect you should care for your spaghetti squash. The best time for pruning is before the blooming season or before the plant starts to bear flowers.
You’d better prune the tilted leaves and dead branches to create more space for other parts, facilitating sun exposure along with air circulation.
Pruning also keeps your spaghetti squash compact and directs all the energy to upcoming fruits.
Common Squash Plant Pests And Diseases
The spaghetti squash belongs to the Cucurbita family that is particularly vulnerable to the damage caused by some insect pests, such as cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, and bugs.
The most dangerous one is the SVB (squash vine borer). This small insect is often borne into the vines and lays many eggs on their surfaces.
They will grow up and turn into larvae, hindering the plant’s capacity to take up water and causing it to wilt before gradually dying.
The optimal solution to this problem is applying proper fertilizer and insecticide.
The BT spray might come in handy by destroying the vine borers, and you could inject it into the stem with the purpose of killing the newly born larvae.
Besides pests, the spaghetti squash easily falls prey to fungal diseases, like powdery mildew.
One of the clear symptoms is the appearance of numerous yellow spots on top of the foliage, along with black spores on the leaves’ undersides.
How To Harvest And Store Spaghetti Squash?
Below are some helpful tips for you when planning to harvest and store spaghetti squash.
Harvesting Tips
The optimal time to harvest your spaghetti squash is between late summer and early fall. It would help if you relied on visual cues before picking up the fruits from a tree.
Please look at its ripe yellow color and touch the rind to feel its hardiness. Other signs that you should pay close attention to include the brown stem.
When the spaghetti squash fruits are green and quite soft, you’d better not harvest them because they are still immature.
When you pick them up, these fruits no longer receive nutrition from the tree and remain unripe.
Given the harvesting procedure, ensure that you use a sharp pair of pruning shears and leaves about 3 inches of the stem on the tree.
Don’t forget to wear protective gear, such as eyeglasses or gloves, to avert unexpected injuries.
Storing Tips
After successfully harvesting the spaghetti squash fruits, it’s time to store them carefully. Putting all the frozen pre-cooked squash in the fridge and leaving them overnight is recommended.
Suppose you want to use their fruits as a meal’s ingredients.
In that case, please store the cooked spaghetti squash in a zip bag and place them in the freezer; ensure that the bag is airtight, so their quality will be the best. Good luck!
What Are The Most Grown Varieties Of Spaghetti Squash?
Here is a list of three common spaghetti squash species:
- The baby spaghetti, as its name suggests, is quite small. It belongs to the semi-brush family with a height of about 4 feet.
- The Tivoli usually develops to 7 inches with a sweet flavor. It is often used in some meals and recipes.
- The Sugaretti spaghetti squash has diverse colors, leaving an unforgettable impression on your mind at first sight.
The Bottom Line
This article has equipped you with comprehensive knowledge about the process of growing spaghetti squash in a container.
You should ensure well-drained soil, ample drip irrigation, and enough sun exposure for the bumper crops.
Now, pick your favorite variety, roll up your sleeves, and head to the garden!
