Honey Bear Squash

2009 AAS Vegetable Winner

‘Honey Bear’ acorn squash was bred to be baked and served in the half shell. The honey in ‘Honey Bear’ refers to the sweet squash flavor when cooked. In addition to flavor, there are three outstanding qualities; the compact plant, high yield, and tolerance to powdery mildew. The bushy, compact plant will reach 2 to 3 feet tall and spread 4 to 5 feet without vines. The dark green acorn squash weighs about a pound, which is a perfect size for sharing between two people. The plant produces 3 to 5 fruit per bush. The yield is high due to the powdery mildew tolerance. At the end of the season many acorn squash plants succumb to the mildew and fruit on the plant never matures. ‘Honey Bear’ continues to bear fruit throughout the growing season. From sowing seed in the garden until the harvest of the first squash will be about 100 days. ‘Honey Bear’ was bred at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH.