Introduced in 1891, Delicata is an heirloom winter squash that tastes remarkably similar to sweet potatoes.  The delicate skin is thin and edible - no peeling required.  The vines produce plentiful cream-colored, green-striped oblong fruits, about 3" in diameter and 6" long.  Keep plants well-watered and mulched during the growing season, especially during dry spells.  Squash plants are "dioecious," having both male and female flowers on the same plant.  Male flowers will open first and the female flowers will open later.
 
Sow directly in mounds of fertile, warm soil in full sun after danger of frost, 1" deep about 3 to 6 inches apart.  Rotate crops to avoid planting squash in the same area for two years.