Grown Buttercup Squash?

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Buttercup Squash — Squash | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Buttercup Squash
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

115days to harvest

7-14days to germinate

Z3–11USDA zones

Moderatedifficulty

Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F, or start indoors 2-4 weeks before last frost. Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: 1 inch per week, reduce watering as fruits mature
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with high organic content
Soil pH: 6.0-6.8
Spacing: 48-72 inches
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Dark green skin with gray 'button', deep orange flesh
Size: 10-15 lb.
Shape: Turban-shaped with flattened top and distinctive cap
Flavour: Sweet, creamy, and rich with notes of sweet potato and honey

In the kitchen

Baking, roasting, soups, pies, purees. Excellent for baby food and desserts.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers
Diseases: Bacterial wilt, downy mildew, black rot
Resistance: Good resistance to powdery mildew and mosaic virus

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
3	—	—	June – July	October
4	—	—	June – July	October
5	—	—	May – June	October
6	—	—	May – June	September – November
7	—	—	April – June	September – October
8	—	—	April – May	August – October
9	—	—	March – April	July – September
10	—	—	February – April	July – August
11	—	—	January – March	June – July
12	—	—	January – March	June – July
13	—	—	January – March	June – July

Companion planting

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

NasturtiumsTrap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids

MarigoldsRepel cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with their strong scent

RadishesDeter squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, mature quickly before squash spreads

BeansFix nitrogen in soil to feed heavy-feeding squash plants

CornProvides natural trellis support and shade, part of Three Sisters planting

CatnipRepels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other common squash pests

DillAttracts beneficial insects like predatory wasps that control squash pests

SunflowersAttract pollinators essential for squash fruit production and provide windbreak

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders requiring similar soil resources

BrassicasCabbage family plants can stunt squash growth and attract flea beetles

FennelAllelopathic properties inhibit growth of squash and most other garden plants

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 Costata Romanesco Next →Yellow Scallop Pattypan

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.

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Buttercup Squash?

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