Picking Buttercup Squash

[Idahowoman]

My squash vines have got hit by frost. Some leaves are still green , I would say about 1/3 of the vine . Do I harvest now since most of the leaves are dead or wait ? I can scrape my fingernail on the skin and it leaves a small mark. I cut one last week and the texture was there but the flavor wasn't, Any advice is appreciated. Thanks

[tjg911]

i'd wait, at this point i don't think you stand to gain from cutting them off the vines.

winter squash fruit can tolerate colder weather and possibly a light frost without ruining the squash but frost will kill the plant where it hits it. buttercup has a days to maturity of about 100-105 days so unless you planted them out much past memorial day you are close to finishing up. the finger nail test shows they are not quite done and the taste test as well.

the problem is the days are about to cross the 12/12 line and with such short days your plants may not be able to fully ripen the fruits. warm days would be a help but if your days are in the lower 60's then that's not going to help. your climate may not allow for long ripening squashes. it's been several years since i grew buttercup due to squash vine borers but they are one great tasting squash.

tom

[Idahowoman]

Thanks alot for your advice. I 'll let them stay out as long as I can.