Cue Ball Squash

10 Seeds

Cue Ball Squash is a unique round summer squash with smooth, bright white skin resembling a billiard cue ball. It has tender, mild-flavored flesh and is excellent for stuffing, grilling, roasting, steaming, and fresh cooking. The compact bush plants are productive and ideal for home gardens, raised beds, and large containers. In the Gulf region, Cue Ball Squash performs best during the cool growing season.

Best Planting Time

• September to November (recommended)
• A second planting can be made in late January to February in frost-free Gulf areas.
• Avoid planting during the hottest summer months.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Optional: Soak seeds in lukewarm water (25–30°C) for 4–6 hours to encourage faster germination.
• No cold stratification is needed.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Garden soil
• 30% Compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite or coarse sand

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–7.5

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds directly into the garden or large containers.
• Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep.
• Sow 2 seeds per hole, then thin to the strongest seedling.
• Avoid transplanting whenever possible, as squash dislikes root disturbance.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 22–30°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 20–30°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Full sun provides the highest yield.

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
• Water deeply whenever the top 3–5 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Increase watering during flowering and fruit development.
• Avoid wetting the leaves to reduce fungal diseases.
• Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Germination Time

• 5–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 60–90 cm between plants.
• 100–150 cm between rows.

Harvesting

• Harvest approximately 45–60 days after sowing.
• Pick fruits when they are 7–10 cm in diameter for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Frequent harvesting encourages continuous fruit production.

Fertilization

• Incorporate compost before planting.
• Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.
• During flowering and fruiting, use a fertilizer slightly higher in phosphorus and potassium.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen after flowering begins.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow only during the cool season.
• Apply mulch to conserve moisture and keep fruits clean.
• Water early in the morning.
• Hand-pollinate flowers if pollinator activity is low.
• Monitor for aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs, spider mites, powdery mildew, and downy mildew.
• Cue Ball Squash performs exceptionally well in raised beds, vegetable gardens, and large containers throughout the Gulf.