Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato Squash
Cucubita pepo
20 seeds per packet Germination 98% Apr 2024 Packed for 2025
This beloved heirloom was stewarded by Thelma Sanders, a member of the Missouri Ozarks gardening community. She shared it with the Seed Savers Exchange in the 1980s, and it has since gained recognition as one of the finest-tasting acorn squashes. It reflects the heritage and foodways of Midwestern homesteaders who prized flavor, productivity, and storability.
Appearance: This winter squash resembles a traditional acorn squash in shape but is pale tan or buff-colored, often with light ribbing. Its flesh is deep orange, moist, and smooth when cooked—hence the name "sweet potato squash." Ripens from cream to light gold. Lighter squash color helps prevent sunscald in Deep South.
Culinary Uses: Celebrated for its creamy, sweet, and nutty flavor, it shines when roasted, mashed, or used in soups and casseroles. Its texture and sweetness make it a natural alternative to sweet potatoes in recipes. The skin is thin and often tender enough to eat when roasted.
Growing Tips:
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Days to maturity: 85–100
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Planting: Direct seed after last frost in full sun. Sow in hills or rows, spacing plants 18–36" apart.
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Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter.
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Water: Consistent moisture is key, especially during flowering and fruit set.
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Pollination: Like most squash, it depends on bees and other pollinators. Avoid spraying pesticides during bloom.
Harvesting:
Harvest when the skin is hard and fully tan, typically in early fall before frost. Cut the squash from the vine, leaving a short stem attached. Cure in a warm, dry place for 10–14 days, then store in a cool, dry area for several months.
