Growli

Troubleshooting

Spaghetti squash problems — and how to fix them

Spaghetti squash (Cucurbita pepo) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.

Powdery mildew

Common late summer; choose resistant varieties.

Squash vine borers

Larvae tunnel in stems; rotate planting.

Blossom-end rot

Inconsistent watering.

No fruit set

Poor pollination; hand-pollinate.

Premature yellowing of fruit

Harvest when skin resists a fingernail.

Prevent spaghetti squash problems before they start

Most spaghetti squash issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:

Spaghetti squash problems — FAQ

Why is my spaghetti squash powdery mildew?

Common late summer; choose resistant varieties.

Why is my spaghetti squash squash vine borers?

Larvae tunnel in stems; rotate planting.

Why is my spaghetti squash blossom-end rot?

Inconsistent watering.

Why is my spaghetti squash no fruit set?

Poor pollination; hand-pollinate.

Why is my spaghetti squash premature yellowing of fruit?

Harvest when skin resists a fingernail.