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Squash · Cucurbita maxima 'Butterscotch'

Butterscotch Winter Squash

Butterscotch Winter Squash is a hybrid squash. Germination takes 7-14 days and fruit ripens from about day 100-110. Skin runs to tan to light brown exterior, bright orange interior. Water need is 1-2 inches per week, reduce watering 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
100-110days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
F1 hybrid

Sowing

Direct sow 2-3 weeks after last frost. Start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting in shorter season areas.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, reduce watering as fruits mature
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with good organic content
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Spacing
48-72 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Tan to light brown exterior, bright orange interior
Size
4-8 pounds, 8-10 inches long
Shape
Bell-shaped with thick neck, ribbed
Flavour
Exceptionally sweet with butterscotch notes, creamy and smooth texture

In the kitchen

Roasting, soups, pies, purees, risottos. Excellent for desserts due to natural sweetness.

Pests, disease & resistance

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

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.

NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids
MarigoldsRepels cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with strong scent
RadishesDeters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil
CornProvides natural trellis support and 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
DillAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control squash pests
SunflowersAttracts pollinators essential for squash fruit set, provides beneficial habitat

Avoid

PotatoesCompetes for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders requiring similar soil resources
Aromatic HerbsStrong herbs like sage and rosemary can inhibit squash growth and development
BrassicasHeavy nitrogen feeders that compete with squash, can stunt growth when planted nearby

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 Butterscotch Winter Squash suits these too.

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