Squash
110days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F, or start indoors 2-3 weeks before transplanting. Needs warm, long growing season.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, reduce as fruits mature
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil with good organic content
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
48-60 inches (vines spread 6-8 feet)
Height
4-10 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Tan exterior with bright orange interior flesh
Size
1-2 lb.
Shape
Miniature butternut shape - bulbous bottom with narrow neck
Flavour
Intensely sweet and nutty, concentrated butternut flavor

In the kitchen

Roasting whole, soups, purees, side dishes. Perfect individual portion size for elegant presentations.

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 vine borers

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.

MarigoldRepels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, deters aphids
CornProvides natural trellis support and creates beneficial microclimate
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil and complements corn in three sisters planting
RadishDeters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil
CatnipRepels squash bugs, aphids, and flea beetles more effectively than DEET
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture
SunflowerAttracts beneficial insects and provides shade, may improve squash growth

Avoid

PotatoCompetes for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders requiring similar resources
FennelInhibits growth through allelopathic compounds that stunt squash development
BrassicasHeavy nitrogen feeders that compete with squash, may stunt growth and reduce yields

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

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 Honeynut Squash?

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

Similar varieties

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

Browse all 60 squash