The rind is deep yellow to golden orange
The skin is hard and cannot be easily pierced with a fingernail
The squash feels heavy for its size
The stem is dry, brown, and firm
The skin has a dull, matte finish rather than a shiny one
The squash sounds hollow when tapped
The vine attached to it has started to dry out
It has reached full size, usually about 8 to 12 inches long
It has been on the vine long enough, typically 90 to 100 days after planting
It resists pressure when squeezed gently