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Squash · Cucurbita maxima 'Buttercup'

Buttercup Squash (Burgess Strain)

Buttercup Squash (Burgess Strain) is a hybrid squash. Germination takes 8-12 days and fruit ripens from about day 100-120. Skin runs to dark green exterior with bright orange flesh. Water need is 1 inch per week, reduce as fruits mature. Suits zones 3-11. As a hybrid it will not breed true; saving seed from it is not worth the space.

Squash
100-120days to harvest
8-12days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
F1 hybrid

Sowing

Direct sow when soil temperature reaches 65°F. Can start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, reduce as fruits mature
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Spacing
6-8 feet between plants
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green exterior with bright orange flesh
Size
3-5 pounds, 6-8 inches across
Shape
Turban-shaped with distinctive button end
Flavour
Very sweet, nutty, and creamy with rich, dense texture

In the kitchen

Roasting, pies, soups, casseroles, purees, and baking applications

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bug, cucumber beetle, squash vine borer
Diseases
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt
Resistance
Good resistance to common squash diseases, excellent storage capability

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
3——June – JulyOctober
4——June – JulyOctober
5——May – JuneOctober
6——May – JuneSeptember – November
7——April – JuneSeptember – October
8——April – MayAugust – October
9——March – AprilJuly – September
10——February – AprilJuly – August
11——January – MarchJune – July
12——January – MarchJune – July
13——January – MarchJune – 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 cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with their strong scent
RadishesDeters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil for squash roots
CornProvides natural shade and wind protection, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil for heavy-feeding squash, completes Three Sisters companion trio
DillAttracts beneficial insects like predatory wasps that control squash pests
CatnipRepels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other common cucurbit pests
SunflowersAttracts pollinators essential for squash fruit production, provides beneficial shade

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders that deplete soil
FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of squash and most vegetables
Aromatic herbs (strong)Plants like sage and rosemary can stunt squash growth through chemical interference

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
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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.

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Similar varieties

Other squash with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Buttercup Squash (Burgess Strain) suits these too.

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