squash 'Butternut'
butternut squash or Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut'
A highly popular variety of winter squash grown for its heavy, elongated pear-shaped fruits, each one weighing several pounds when picked. The hefty, vigorous plants scramble over the soil, with each plant producing several honey-coloured fruits per plant. Leave in the sun to ripen before picking and they'll keep for several months.
Squash makes an excellent companion plant: grow them under sweetcorn, where its large leaves will suppress weeds and help keep moisture in the soil.
Squash makes an excellent companion plant: grow them under sweetcorn, where its large leaves will suppress weeds and help keep moisture in the soil.
How to care for squash Butternut:
Plant squash in a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, well-drained soil, ideally enriched with plenty of organic matter. Space plants around 1.5m (5ft) apart to allow room for sprawling vines, and water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the developing fruit clean.
Support young plants by checking for slugs and removing any damaged or diseased leaves. Feed lightly during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser or compost tea to encourage strong growth and abundant fruiting. Harvest summer squashes when the fruits are tender and still immature, picking regularly to encourage further production.
For autumn and winter cultivated varieties, leave fruits on the vine until the skin has hardened and the colour is fully developed, then cut carefully with a sharp knife, leaving a short stem attached for storage. Store winter squash in a cool, dry place for several months.
Support young plants by checking for slugs and removing any damaged or diseased leaves. Feed lightly during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser or compost tea to encourage strong growth and abundant fruiting. Harvest summer squashes when the fruits are tender and still immature, picking regularly to encourage further production.
For autumn and winter cultivated varieties, leave fruits on the vine until the skin has hardened and the colour is fully developed, then cut carefully with a sharp knife, leaving a short stem attached for storage. Store winter squash in a cool, dry place for several months.
Sowing instructions:
Sow two seeds, 2.5cm (1in) deep, in a 10cm (4in) pot in late spring in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill. Lay the seed vertically as if it is laid flat they may rot before germinating. Germination takes approx 10-14 days with temperatures at 68-78°F (20-25°C). Pot on seedlings as they row, then harden off carefully and plant out in a sunny, sheltered spot once all threat of frost has passed. Leave 1.5m (5ft) between each plant and protect from slugs. Harvest once the squash has coloured up and the skins have hardened in in the sun.
Eventual height:
0.45m
Eventual spread:
2m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets
