I was taught to leave them on the vines until the skin had hardened so you
can't scratch it with a thumbnail and the bottom had turned yellow. By that
time the vines were starting to die back. Leave 2-4 inches of vine when you
cut them. If you are going to store them don't wash them and make sure they
are bone dry. Probably where you live this isn't a problem. I kept mine on
wood slat shelves in the basement pantry and most lasted for 6 months and
sometimes more.

Val

"Dave_S" wrote in message
...
My Acorn Squash (maybe Table Queen) look mature and size has stopped
increasing. They are large, heavy, dark green with thick stems. They
have been that color and size for weeks. When to remove from vine is my
question. Vines still look healthy with large green leaves. No new
blossoms. Can the squash continue to ripen by hanging on the healthy vines
all summer long? I live in hot San Fernando Valley. Every day, near noon
time (90F or hotter), these plants show extreme wilting leaves.

Thanks, Dave_s