Overwintering guide
How to overwinter acorn squash
Winter watering
If you do keep it going indoors, water sparingly — just enough that the compost never dries out completely — and do not feed until growth restarts in spring.
The mistake that kills acorn squash in winter
Leaving acorn squash outside over winter expecting it back in spring. As an annual it will not return — seed or cuttings are the only way to carry it forward.
More acorn squash care
- Overwintering squash — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Overwintering acorn squash — our other guide for the same plant
- Full acorn squash care guide
- Acorn squash temperature range
- How often to water acorn squash
- How to prune acorn squash
- Common acorn squash problems & fixes
- Best plant identifier apps — tested and ranked
Overwintering acorn squash — FAQ
Does acorn squash need to come indoors for winter?
Acorn squash is grown as an annual — it is frost-tender and naturally finishes at the end of the season, whatever your zone. In most climates acorn squash is grown as an annual, so there is usually nothing to overwinter — the plant completes its life cycle and dies back with the first frosts. If you want to carry it over, lift it before the first frost and grow it on in the brightest window you have, or take cuttings; otherwise collect seed and start fresh in spring, which is what most growers do.
When should I move acorn squash for winter?
Lift or take cuttings before the first frost — or let it finish and save seed.
How often should I water acorn squash in winter?
If you do keep it going indoors, water sparingly — just enough that the compost never dries out completely — and do not feed until growth restarts in spring.
What kills acorn squash over winter?
Leaving acorn squash outside over winter expecting it back in spring. As an annual it will not return — seed or cuttings are the only way to carry it forward.