Seed or transplant after danger of frost is past and soil has warmed. Very tender annual. Cultural Practices Summer squash grows on nonvining bushes. There are many varieties having different fruit shapes and colors. Winter squash is allowed to mature on the vine and develop a hard rind to permit winter storage, although with many varieties it can be picked early and used like summer squash.
Cultural techniques are the same as for other squashes.
Winter squashes are generally categorized according to their fruit size. Another winter squash, Spaghetti Squash or Vegetable Spaghetti, has gained in popularity in recent years. Its flesh, when steamed or baked, separates into spaghetti-like strands. The delicate flavor is unique combined with its firm yet tender texture making it useful as a low calorie, low starch pasta substitute. The plant vines vigorously and benefits from trellising.