Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut', Butternut Squash
Annuals

Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut'

Butternut Squash

CucurbitaceaeCentral America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitvining
Foliagedeciduous
Height12-18 inches
Width10-15 feet
Maturity0.25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 10b
Zone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' is a vigorous annual vine known for producing distinctively shaped winter squash with exceptional keeping quality. This cultivar develops long, trailing stems that can extend 10-15 feet, bearing large, palmately lobed leaves with slightly fuzzy surfaces. The characteristic butternut-shaped fruits are typically 8-12 inches long with a bulbous end containing the seed cavity and a narrower neck consisting entirely of solid flesh. The mature fruits feature a smooth, tan to beige exterior skin that develops from green when young. Inside, the flesh is bright orange, dense, and sweet with a nutty flavor that intensifies with storage. Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' produces separate male and female flowers on the same plant, with bright yellow, trumpet-shaped blooms that are pollinated by bees and other insects. The female flowers can be distinguished by the small swelling at their base, which develops into the fruit after pollination.

Native Range

Cucurbita moschata is native to Central America and northern South America, with archaeological evidence suggesting cultivation in regions from Mexico through Colombia and Venezuela for thousands of years. The species was later spread throughout the Americas by indigenous peoples and eventually introduced to Europe following Spanish colonization.

Suggested Uses

Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' works well in large vegetable gardens, raised beds, and can be grown vertically on sturdy trellises to save space. The fruits are excellent for roasting, soups, and baking, with superior storage life making them ideal for winter food preservation. The large leaves provide natural ground cover and weed suppression in garden beds. Flowers are edible and can be harvested for culinary use.

How to Identify

Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' can be identified by its distinctive bell-shaped to pear-shaped fruits with a tan exterior and bright orange interior flesh. The vines have large, five-lobed leaves with soft, fuzzy surfaces and produce bright yellow flowers. The mature fruits typically weigh 2-5 pounds and have a characteristic narrow neck section with a bulbous seed cavity at the base. The smooth, hard rind and dense, sweet flesh distinguish it from other winter squash varieties.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread10' - 15'

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Summer
mid to late summer

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium to dark green with lighter veining

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.8(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-4 months

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season, with deep watering 1-2 times per week providing approximately 1 inch of water. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with compost or a high-potassium fertilizer when fruits begin to develop. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. The extensive vines need adequate space or can be trained on sturdy trellises. Monitor for common pests like squash bugs and cucumber beetles, and watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions.

Pruning

Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' benefits from selective pruning to improve air circulation and fruit quality. Remove any damaged or diseased leaves throughout the season. Once 2-3 fruits have set per vine, pinch off the growing tips to redirect energy into fruit development. Remove excess male flowers after pollination is complete, and thin fruits to 2-3 per plant for larger, higher-quality squash. Prune secondary vines if space is limited, focusing growth on the main stems.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' is non-toxic and safe for humans and pets. All parts of the plant are edible, including the fruits, seeds, flowers, and young leaves, though mature leaves may be tough and less palatable.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Indoor Start

3 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

after last frost when soil temperature reaches 65°F

Days to Maturity

85–100 days

Plant Spacing

48 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

beans
corn
radishes
nasturtiums
marigolds
oregano

Avoid Planting With

potatoes
aromatic herbs
fennel
sunflowers