Overwintering guide
How to overwinter delicata 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 delicata squash in winter
Leaving delicata 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 delicata squash care
- Overwintering squash — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Overwintering delicata squash — our other guide for the same plant
- Full delicata squash care guide
- Delicata squash temperature range
- How often to water delicata squash
- How to prune delicata squash
- Common delicata squash problems & fixes
- Best plant identifier apps — tested and ranked
Overwintering delicata squash — FAQ
Does delicata squash need to come indoors for winter?
Delicata 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 delicata 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 delicata squash for winter?
Lift or take cuttings before the first frost — or let it finish and save seed.
How often should I water delicata 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 delicata squash over winter?
Leaving delicata 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.