Vegetable growing guide
Butternut squash
Cucurbita moschata
Sun
Full sun
Season
Warm
Maturity
90 to 110 days
Water
Moderate
Soil pH
6.0 to 7.0
Spacing
36 to 48 in
Planting butternut squash
Sow directly after the last frost in warm soil, or start indoors 3 to 4 weeks early. The long season matters, so do not plant late.
Planting details
- Vines run 10 feet or more; bush types fit small gardens
- Seed depth: about 1 inch
- Cure before storage or the fruit will not keep
Growing requirements
Butternut squash needs full sun, rich soil, and steady moisture while the fruit sizes up. Cut back on water as harvest approaches to toughen the skin.
Harvesting and care
Harvest when the skin turns deep tan and resists a thumbnail. Cure fruit in a warm spot for one to two weeks, then store cool and dry for months.
Common mistakes
- Picking before the skin hardens, which ruins storage life
- Leaving fruit on damp soil, which rots the underside
- Planting too late for the 90-plus-day season to finish
Companion plants
Give vines the edge of the garden where they can sprawl outward, or run them up a strong trellis with fruit supported in slings.