The Waltham Butternut Squash is a relative newcomer amongst winter squash. Butternut was introduced in 1944, although the breeding material, Winter Crookneck, dates back to the 19th century. Vines run 6-7 in length and yields of 2-3 pound squash are good and store well.

15 seeds

PLANTING

Cucurbitamoschata

Germination:7-10 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 70-85F

Seed Sowing Depth:1/2-1″ deep

Sowing Indoors:3-4 weeks before the last frost.Provide70-85Fsoil temperature.Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot.Sowing into individual biodegradable peat/cow pots reduces rootdamage when transplanting. Transplantafter last frost, 36-48″ apart.

Sowing Outdoors:Sow after the last frostwhen the soil temperature is over70F.Sow a few seeds every 36-48″.

How much does a packet plant:12-15foot single row, 3-5 hills

Harvest:Before heavy frost. Determine ripeness whenthe skin has turned colorand becomes dull dry. Youwill beunable to create a dent when pressingyour thumbnail into it. Leave two inches of the stem on the squash and manage carefully so there is no damage that can shorten storage life. Cure for 7-10 days in the sun to harden the rind and increase storage quality. Wipe any debris off the skin before storing it in a cool dark placewith 50-55F temperaturesand50-65%humidity.

Tips:Plant Waltham Butternut Squash in fertile soil, amended with compost or well-rotted manure, and keep well watered. They benefit from growing on black plastic and by using row covers for weed, insect control, and more rapid growth.