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Squash · Cucurbita moschata

Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash is a bell-shaped with bulbous end and narrow neck squash with fruit around 9". Ready from roughly day 105. Germination takes 7-10 days. Space 36-48 inches between plants apart at pH 6.0-6.8. Full sun (6+ hours).

Squash
105days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easy to Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F, or start indoors 2-3 weeks before last frost. Plant seeds 1 inch deep.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, deep watering
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Spacing
36-48 inches between plants
Height
4-10 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Tan exterior with bright orange flesh
Size
9"
Shape
Bell-shaped with bulbous end and narrow neck
Flavour
Sweet, nutty, and creamy with hints of brown butter

In the kitchen

Soups, roasting, purees, pies, pasta dishes, risotto, baby food

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, vine borers, aphids
Diseases
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, squash mosaic virus
Resistance
Good resistance to most squash diseases when grown in proper conditions

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
3——June – JulyOctober
4——June – JulyOctober
5——May – JuneSeptember – October
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.

CornProvides natural trellis for squash vines and creates beneficial microclimate
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil that squash can utilize for healthy growth
MarigoldsRepels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other harmful insects
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles
RadishesDeters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles when planted nearby
CatnipStrong scent repels squash bugs and cucumber beetles
OreganoRepels various pests and may improve overall plant health
SunflowersAttracts beneficial insects and provides some shade protection

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for similar nutrients and space, may harbor similar pests
FennelInhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathic compounds
Aromatic herbs (strong)Very strong herbs like sage can inhibit squash growth when planted too close

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
45
Protein (g)
1
Fat (g)
0.1
Carbohydrate (g)
11.7
Fibre (g)
2
Sugars (g)
2.2
Vitamin A (µg)
532
Vitamin C (mg)
21
Vitamin E (mg)
1.44
Vitamin K (µg)
1.1
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.154
Folate (µg)
27
Calcium (mg)
48
Iron (mg)
0.7
Magnesium (mg)
34
Phosphorus (mg)
33
Potassium (mg)
352
Zinc (mg)
0.15
Selenium (µg)
0.5
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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.

DarkGrow forum

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Similar varieties

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

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