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Waltham Butternut Squash

Waltham Butternut Squash is a heirloom squash. Germination takes 7-14 days and fruit ripens from about day 105. Skin runs to tan-beige skin with bright orange flesh. Water need is 1-2 inches per week, consistent until fruit set. Suits zones 3-11.

Squash
105days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil reaches 65°F. Start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost in northern areas.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, consistent until fruit set
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Spacing
6-8 feet
Height
4-10 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Tan-beige skin with bright orange flesh
Size
9"
Shape
Bell-shaped with thick neck and bulbous end
Flavour
Sweet, nutty, and smooth with rich butterscotch notes

In the kitchen

Roasting, soups, purees, pies, risottos, and as a potato substitute

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, vine borers
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, mosaic virus
Resistance
Improved resistance to downy mildew and bacterial wilt

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.

NasturtiumsTrap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids
MarigoldsRepel cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with strong scent
CornProvides natural trellis support and shade, part of Three Sisters planting
BeansFix nitrogen in soil for heavy-feeding squash, complete Three Sisters guild
RadishesDeter squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, quick harvest before squash spreads
CatnipRepels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and ants more effectively than DEET
DillAttracts beneficial predatory wasps that control squash pests
SunflowersAttract pollinators essential for squash fruit development and provide windbreak

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders with similar root zones
FennelAllelopathic properties inhibit growth and development of squash plants
Aromatic herbs (Sage, Rosemary)Strong essential oils may inhibit squash growth and reduce pollinator activity

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.

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Similar varieties

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

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