Different kinds of winter squash vary as to how long they take to cure after harvesting, how long before they achieve peak eating quality, and how long before that quality declines.

Whether you grow winter squash for your own consumption or to sell at markets, at the farmstand, or to place in your CSA boxes, you will want to know when your squash and edible pumpkins are at their best.

The chart below is designed to serve as a general guide to the storage potential of different types of winter squash.

A selection of mini edible ornamentals

For those eager to enjoy the fall squash harvest, a general rule of thumb is to consume the spaghetti and smallest squashes first.

Harvesting Johnny's Winter Squash Trials

Many winter squash fruits can appear to be mature before they are actually ready to harvest, and some require time in storage after harvest for best eating quality. For the best-quality squash, wait to harvest all types until they are mature — at least 50–55 days after the fruit has set — and cure before storing and eating.

Curing Winter Squash

After cutting the fruits from the vine, sun-cure in the field for 5–7 days, or, cure indoors for 5–7 days at 80–85°F (27–29°C), in an area with good air ventilation.

As noted above, a good rule of thumb is to consume small-fruited types first. Read on for more tips on specific winter squash types.

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Acorn

The fruits of acorn types will have a dark-orange "ground spot" when mature. Fruits can be consumed at harvest, and eating quality is best within 2½ months of harvest.

Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash, too, can be consumed right away after harvest, and will store only about 2½ months.

Delicata & Dumpling

The fruits of these types, like acorn squash, often have a dark-orange "ground spot" when mature. Fruits can be consumed at harvest, and eating quality is best within 3 months of harvest.

Some Red-skinned Hubbards & 'mini' Kabocha

Varieties such as 'Sunshine,' ,'Red Kuri,' and Shokichi types can be consumed at harvest, and will store up to 4 months. Dry, corky stems are a good indication of fruit maturity.

Buttercup & Larger, Green or Gray Kabocha

Fruits are best after 1–1½ months of storage, but will also store 4–6 months. Dry, corky stems are a good indication of fruit maturity.

Hubbard & Butternut

Fruits are best after 1–2 months of storage, and will keep 4–6 months. (NOTE: Because of its smaller size, 'Butterscotch PMR' is an exception; it can be consumed at harvest, and is best within 3 months of harvest.)