When to Harvest Spaghetti Squash

Here’s a guide to help you know when to harvest spaghetti squash so you can enjoy it at its peak flavor and texture. Harvesting at the right time ensures a more tender and delicious squash.

Keep an eye on the vine, skin color, and size for the best results. I'll walk you through the signs to look for and how to properly cut and store your squash after harvesting.

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How Long Does Spaghetti Squash Take to Grow?

Before diving into harvest tips, it's important to understand how long spaghetti squash takes to grow. Spaghetti squash is typically ready for harvest about 90 to 100 days after planting. This time frame may vary slightly based on weather conditions and specific varieties, but it's a good rule of thumb.

Key Signs Your Spaghetti Squash Is Ready to Harvest

When determining if your spaghetti squash is ready to harvest, look for these visual and physical cues:

1. Color of the Skin

One of the most reliable signs that your spaghetti squash is ready to be harvested is the color of the skin. When fully mature, the skin will transition from a pale yellow to a deeper golden yellow. The squash should no longer be green, as green spots indicate it's still immature.

Tip: Some varieties may have slightly different color shades when ripe, so it’s essential to know your specific squash type.

2. Hardness of the Skin

The skin of mature spaghetti squash becomes very hard and difficult to pierce with your fingernail. If you can easily make an indentation or break the skin, it’s not quite ready. Fully ripened spaghetti squash will have tough, thick skin that offers some resistance.

3. Stem Appearance

A drying, brown stem is another excellent indicator that the squash is ready for picking. As spaghetti squash ripens, the vine and stem will start to dry out and become more brittle. If the stem is still soft and green, give it a little more time.

4. Tapping Test

If you’re unsure after observing the skin and stem, give your spaghetti squash a gentle tap. A ripe squash will sound hollow when tapped, signaling that the flesh has fully developed inside.

5. Frost Timing

Spaghetti squash should be harvested before the first hard frost in your area. If a frost is expected, it’s a good idea to pick your squash even if they’re not fully ripe yet. You can allow them to finish ripening indoors in a cool, dry space.

How to Harvest Spaghetti Squash Properly

Once you’ve identified that your squash is ready, it’s time to harvest! Here’s the best way to ensure you don’t damage the fruit or the plant.

1. Use Sharp Pruners

To avoid damaging the vine or squash, use sharp pruners or a knife to cut the squash from the vine. Cut with about 2-3 inches of stem attached to the squash. This helps extend its storage life.

2. Handle with Care

Spaghetti squash can be heavy, so support the squash as you cut it to prevent it from falling and bruising.

3. Curing the Squash

After harvesting, allow your spaghetti squash to cure in a warm, dry place for about 10-14 days. This will harden the skin even more and increase its shelf life, making it last for up to several months in storage.

When to Harvest Spaghetti Squash for Maximum Flavor

If you're growing spaghetti squash for its flavor and texture, picking it at the right time is crucial.

Under-ripe squash may lack flavor and have a tougher, more stringy texture.
Overripe squash, on the other hand, can become too soft and may not hold up as well when cooked.

The goal is to harvest when the squash is firm, with bright yellow skin and a hollow sound when tapped.

What to Do if Your Spaghetti Squash Isn’t Ripe by Harvest Time?

If you’re running out of time before the frost arrives and your squash isn’t fully ripe, don’t worry. Spaghetti squash can continue to ripen after being picked if stored correctly.

Simply bring the squash indoors and place it in a sunny, warm spot. In a few weeks, the skin will harden and develop a deeper color, signaling ripeness.

Storing Spaghetti Squash After Harvest

After curing, spaghetti squash should be stored in a cool, dry place with plenty of air circulation. An ideal storage temperature is 50-55°F (10-13°C). When properly stored, spaghetti squash can last for 2 to 3 months, making it a fantastic addition to your winter pantry.

Tip: Avoid storing spaghetti squash in areas with high humidity, as this can lead to mold or rot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Eat Unripe Spaghetti Squash?

Yes, unripe spaghetti squash can be eaten, but it may lack the characteristic texture and flavor. It may also have a firmer, more fibrous flesh. If the squash is mostly mature, allowing it to ripen indoors can improve its quality.

How Can You Tell If Spaghetti Squash Has Gone Bad?

If your spaghetti squash has developed soft spots, a slimy texture, or mold, it has gone bad and should be discarded. Over time, the flesh inside will become mushy and the skin may start to shrivel.

My Final Thoughts

Knowing when to harvest spaghetti squash is key to enjoying its delicious flavor and long storage life. By keeping an eye on the color, skin hardness, and stem dryness, you’ll be able to pick your squash at the perfect time.

With proper harvesting techniques and storage, you can enjoy spaghetti squash in various recipes all season long. Whether you're using it as a low-carb pasta alternative or roasting it as a side dish, harvesting at the right time will ensure the best results.