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Squash - Waltham Butternut Squash

SKU: SQ34112A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
Unavailable
per item
Approximately 12-15 seeds per gram.
Cucurbita moschata
Lot# SQ34112
Waltham Butternut Squash was developed in the 1940’s and is likely the most widely grown butternut squash today.  Plants are a vine type that can grow 43-91 cm (17-36”) tall. Vines can easily reach 1.8-2.7 m (6-9’) long.  It is a prolific, easy to grow squash.  It is easily distinguished by its long pear shape and golden tan colored skin when mature. The orange flesh is sweet with a nutty taste.  Squash can weigh between 1.8-23 kg (4-5 lb.)  A very good storage squash.
Planting Instructions:   
  • Squash seedlings do not really transplant that well, but it can be done if you are careful. Start transplants at least 3-4 weeks before last spring frost.  Sow 2 or 3 seeds 12 mm- 2.5 cm (½-1”) deep in pots.  When the seedlings are 5-7 cm (2-3”) tall, select strongest seedling and thin to 1 plant per pot using scissors. Harden off seedlings gradually by cutting back on water and expose them to sunlight daily.  Seedlings should have more than 2 to 3 true leaves prior to transplanting outside. Transplant once the soil is warm up to at least 15-21˚C (60-70˚F).  Plant 2-3 transplants per hill.  Space hills 1.8-3 m (6-10’) apart.  If planting in rows space seedlings at 61-91 cm (24-36”) apart.  Space rows 1.8-3 m (6-10’) apart. 
  • Direct sow seeds into garden from late May to mid-June.  Sow 4 or 6 seeds 12 mm- 2.5 cm (½-1”) deep into hills that are 1.8-3 m (6-10’) apart.  Thin seedlings down to 3 per hill.  
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 6.0-7.5 
  • Planting Depth:   Sow seeds 12 mm- 2.5 cm (½-1”) deep. 
  • Germination:  8-12 days.
  • Height at Maturity:  Plants reach 43-91 cm (17-36”) tall. Vines can easily reach 1.8-2.7 m (6-9’) long
  • Days to Maturity:   Long Season that is up to 100-120 days
  • Watering:  Butternut Squash is deeply rooted, so water slowly with 1 inch of water per week. Allow it to completely soak the soil 15-20 cm (6-8”) deep. This will ensure good growth, whether vegetables are grown in single hills or wide rows. The amount of rain that falls during the week will help supplement how much you should water your garden.  Soil should remain mildly moist. Do not water shallowly. Avoid getting water on the leaves to help control diseases.  Water in the morning if possible to allow leaves to dry if they do get wet.  This will help in preventing leaf diseases.  Decrease watering later in the season to encourage fruit to mature.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun     
  • Spacing after Thinning:   Plant  seedlings  2-3 plants per hill 1.8-3 m (6-10’) apart. ​
Additional Information
Butternut Squash is ready to harvest when a finger nail cannot puncture the outside. It can stay on the vine for several weeks even after it is ripe. Though the vine may not survive the first frost, the fruits can still be harvested. To harvest, the Butternut Squash can be cut from the vine, although  it is often easy enough to snap the fruit from the vine. Leave a bit of the stem on the fruit to help preserve moisture. By the time it is harvested there is usually little reason to worry about damaging the vine, as it will soon succumb to winter. Butternut Squash will last several months if stored in a cool dry (but not too dry) place. Cooked Butternut Squash can be refrigerated for about four days. Once cooked, it may also be frozen for extended periods.