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It is a bit tricky, I usually leave them longer rather than pick them too early. They will still ripen off the vine. They will store for weeks in a cool dry place just like pumpkins.
I just go by tapping on the outside if it sounds hollow, the skin feels thicker or the attached vine is dying off. The variety I grow turns a nice golden yellow colour too.
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One trick that may help is to turn it over and look at the spot where it rests on the ground. Where it doesn't get hit with sunlight. If that color matches what it's supposed to look like inside, (like bright, rich orange for acorn squash) you're good.
Ooh, that's good to know! From the pictures where I bought it, it's supposed to be light yellow inside... There's probably a long way to go yet, and I'm just impatient and wanting spaghetti squash :D
I think they will eventually turn yellow/orange. My mother grew a pumpkin once that stayed green to the end, but that was because it wasn't getting enough sunlight. We had a dark green pumpkin for Halloween that year.
That actually sounds pretty nice :D you could probably make some fun out of that. I hope removing some leaves to let sunlight in will help them turn orange then ☺️
Our pumpkin was on the north side of the house. Leaves shouldn't be a problem so long as the area in general gets lots of sun.
Well... It gets sun all day, literally. There are no trees or anything around it to give shade. Only the corn I planted inbetween. I just saw a youtube video recommending the removal of a few leaves to let light in, so... Not knowing anything I just thought it sounded reasonable :b
For long lasting winter squash, a good rule is to wait to pick them until it's hard to dent them with your fingernail (although don't push too hard regardless! If you puncture the skin, they won't keep nearly as well).
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