With this and most other squash of the c. moschata family, they are best harvested after the rind turns hard, so that one cannot puncture it with one's thumbnail. Normally folks leave this one on the vine until the fruit has turned a nice buff color.

The squash that rotted had something the matter with it. It's not because it became over ripe. Long Island Cheese should last for months at normal ambient temperatures.

Though I don't grow Long Island Cheese, I do grow a couple of c. moschata varieties which are similar. I prefer to leave mine on the vine for a month after they test ripe, unless they are threatened with a hard frost.

George
Tahlequah, OK

Thanks. Super helpful. I have at least ten more out there.

Hi George,

I'm not the OP but your answer came in really handy! Thanks!! I grow the C. moshata also with pretty good results and always wondered when was the proper time to pick. Growing Rumbo this year first time and just knowing that I can leave these beautiful specimen on the vine for a month without any harm is great news!!

Cheers,
DL