Oh you South Islanders are sly. You’ve been holding a foodie secret close to your chest and haven’t said a word. I have you rumbled. I’ve tasted Spaghetti Squash and the cat is out of the bag.
Spaghetti Squash. Why isn’t this on my weekly shopping list? Probably because it’s difficult to buy in the North Island outside of farmers markets (particularly in the main cities). Hopefully not for long. I hear through whispers in the wind that North Islander’s will be in for a treat soon and it may be available in supermarkets. Dang. I will have to wait patiently as, by the time I grow it myself in the vege patch, I won’t be eating it again until early next year.
UPDATED 2025: I was first introduced to Spaghetti Squash in 2015 (see above). Now it’s become a dilemma every spring…how much of what endless variety of squash shall I grow this year? Spaghetti Squash just has to be in the planting guide, somewhere.
How do you grow Spaghetti Squash?
Ideally, grow from seed in late winter in a sheltered spot on the porch or propagation station/greenhouse. This will give them a good head start of around 3 weeks before you plant out in the garden in spring.
You may find that a few seeds in your compost heap are happily sprouting too — they love rich composty soil.
Each plant may span several metres so plant them with generous space either side. Spaghetti squash grow male and female flowers so it’s best to plant several, or at least other varieties of squash nearby, so pollinators can work their magic.
Expect fruit to start appearing approx 8 weeks from planting. Each plant may produce 4-5 fruit in its lifespan, all going to plan. If not tamed, they will grow and take over other parts of the garden. These plants are happy to grow vertically and will attach themselves onto virtually anything…and grow wildly in untamed parts of your garden, as do mine which I personally love.
Be sure to keep approx 2-3 cm of the stem in tact when harvesting as they will store without spoiling for several months.
Squash leaves are prone to mildew. Remove them as you see them, but it shouldn’t affect the fruit itself.
Saving Seeds
The growing season for these beauties in New Zealand is late spring/early summer and heirloom seeds can be bought in many good gardening centres.
If you are saving your own seeds from a homegrown or gifted Spaghetti Squash:
- Scoop out the seeds from your fresh spaghetti squash with a spoon.
- Rinse the seeds to wipe away any membrane.
- Thoroughly dry out seeds on a paper towel for several weeks if necessary.
- Store in an envelope and get ready to plant them out again come August!
January 24, 2021
I kept the seeds from a spaghetti squash that I bought from the supermarket just to see what would happen. I presumed that commercial growers would use the top seeds for their crop. The seeds sprouted super fast and grew so vigorously and I have about 5 plants about 8 weeks old already that are several metres long with so much fruit. I counted 19 yesterday that are growing big (biggest ones are football size) with more forming on a daily basis. Mine are growing in sandy lacking soil so I’m surprised they are doing so well but since they are in full sun I water them heavily almost every day. I recommend saving the seeds and trying this yourself.
January 24, 2021
Hi Anna, OH YES! I must update this blog or create a new one. I have done exactly that this season with similar results. I propagated around 20 saved seeds (from a market bought squash the previous year) in spring, planted them out this summer and now reaping the rewards on a daily basis. We are eating it every night! They are most delicious too as young juvenile squash – I’m thinly slicing them raw into stir frys, boiling up chunks then serving with butter and seasoning as a side dish too (they virtually melt in your mouth). Enjoy!! >>Julie
November 5, 2019
Thanks Anne, that’s great news!! >>Julie
October 1, 2019
Where can i buy the seeds. Live in the Hawkes Bay. Only have tried one but loved it. Was just lucky to come across one in new world one day. Had i realised they were so hard to get would have kept the seeds.
October 1, 2019
Hi Holly, if you have a local community Facebook Page, ask there. I have not been able to purchase seeds, but have grown from an adult choko….so plead, beg, swap or ask nicely, and you may have a fellow gardener willing to help! >>Julie
February 28, 2019
I want to buy in Auckland, where can I get Spaghetti Squash
February 28, 2019
Hi Leena, I’m not in Auckland myself so won’t be able to answer that. You are unlikely to get them from the veggie aisle in your supermarket so try a ‘fruit & vege’ shop, roadside market or even Avondale Markets as they have a huge range of seasonal produce each weekend. Happy hunting! >>Julie
August 1, 2019
Anyone out there know where these can be bought in Auckland?
August 2, 2019
Sherilyn – I got one at Sylvia Park Pak n Save yesterday.
They only had a handful and they were a bit bruised
Royal Oak Pak n Save also had them 2weeks prior.
And a veggie shop at Royal Oak also had them at the same time.
February 25, 2019
They seem to grow like rabbits here in warm Wanaka! Can’t stop ‘em! Tonight I’ll try baked, and add smoked salmon ! I’ve got my hopes up!
February 26, 2019
Well Ashley, I’m green with envy up here in the Waikato. I need to get me some seeds and dry them out for next season. Love, love, LOVE spaghetti squash. Your menu sounds delicious! >Julie
March 30, 2018
Just cooked this for dinner used as a pasta substitute with meatballs and what an absolute winner. Husband approved. Definitely will have again and can’t wait to buy my next one yum yum
April 3, 2018
Hi Karlene, yes it is so very delicious and buttery. So glad you have a new favourite veggie to add to your repertoire! >>Julie
April 6, 2016
Thank you for writing this. I’m up near Kaitaia and had a bumper crop of spaghetti squash this season, it’s straight to the top of my squash list!
April 10, 2016
I am jealous-as. Yet to grow a bumper crop myself yet. Beautiful vege, I’m so very impressed.