DarkGrowSeed Bank
← All Squash
Squash · Cucurbita maxima 'Buttercup'

Buttercup Maxima

Buttercup Maxima is a hybrid squash variety (Cucurbita maxima 'Buttercup'). Harvest begins around day 95-105; seed germinates in 7-14 days. Set plants 48-72 inches apart. Grow in soil pH 6.0-7.0, zones 3-11, full sun (6+ hours). Hybrid seed does not come true, so it has to be bought fresh each season rather than saved.

Squash
95-105days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
F1 hybrid

Sowing

Direct sow 2-3 weeks after last frost when soil is 65°F or warmer. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, reduce near harvest
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
48-72 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green with light green stripes
Size
3-5 pounds, 6-8 inches diameter
Shape
Turban-shaped, flattened with pronounced ribs
Flavour
Exceptionally sweet, creamy, and smooth with nutty undertones

In the kitchen

Perfect for pies, soups, roasting, mashing, and baking. Excellent substitute for sweet potatoes.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, black rot
Resistance
Good resistance to common cucurbit diseases

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2——June – AugustOctober – September
3——June – JulyOctober
4——June – JulyOctober
5——May – JuneSeptember – October
6——May – JuneSeptember – October
7——April – JuneAugust – October
8——April – MayAugust – September
9——March – AprilJuly – August
10——February – AprilJune – August
11——January – MarchMay – July
12——January – MarchMay – July
13——January – MarchMay – July

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids
MarigoldsRepels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and nematodes with natural compounds
RadishesDeters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil
CornProvides natural trellis support and partial shade, part of Three Sisters planting
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil for heavy-feeding squash, completes Three Sisters guild
CatnipStrongly repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other squash pests
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture
SunflowersAttracts beneficial insects and pollinators, provides wind protection

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders with similar root zones
FennelInhibits growth through allelopathic compounds that stunt squash development
Aromatic herbs (Sage)Strong oils can inhibit squash growth and may affect fruit development

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
26
Protein (g)
0.52
Fat (g)
0.2
Carbohydrate (g)
5.64
Sugars (g)
3.54
Vitamin C (mg)
4.5
Vitamin E (mg)
0
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.058
Folate (µg)
22
Calcium (mg)
9
Iron (mg)
0.17
Magnesium (mg)
10
Phosphorus (mg)
12
Potassium (mg)
205
Zinc (mg)
0.07
← PreviousZucchini Rampicante Next →Marina di Chioggia Pumpkin

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the squash growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Buttercup Maxima?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Open the forum → Start a discussion

Similar varieties

Other squash with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Buttercup Maxima suits these too.

Browse all 60 squash