Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a winter squash that is more resistant to vine borers than other squash varieties due to its thicker stem. The flesh is yellow with a sweet, nutty taste. It makes a great winter storage crop.

Size: Vines grow up to 10 feet long. Each vine bears up to six large fruits, each weighing about 4 pounds.

Sunlight requirements: Full sun (A minimum of six hours is ideal.)

Water requirements: About 1 inch per week—consistent moisture is ideal, so mulching is a good idea.

Soil requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil, high in organic matter

When to plant: Direct-seed in late-spring when soil temperatures reach 65 degrees F, or start seeds in peat pots three weeks before transplanting.

Where to plant: Garden

When to harvest: 90 to 100 days from seed, when a fingernail can pierce the rind with a moderate amount of pressure

Product storage: Store in a cool, dry location for several months. Leave about 1 inch of stem attached to the fruit for prolonged storage.