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16 Squash, Winter, Butternut Remix

Large green squash leaves surround one, not yet ripe butternut squash on a vine
A ripening butternut squash on the vine. (By pollyalida, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
  • Scientific name: Cucurbita moschata
  • Ideal planting time: May, June
  • Annual. Approximate days until harvest: 90 days
  • Seed supplier: Adaptive Seeds

Growing & Seed Saving Tips

From Adaptive Seeds:

Sow indoors in 2-4” pots with good potting soil May through mid-June. Transplant into the garden 1-2 weeks after sprouting to 2-3’ centers and 6′ wide rows. May also be direct sown when soil is warm. Young plants are sensitive, we recommend row cover to protect from frost and insects.

Seed Saving

To save seed, scoop out seeds when you eat the fruit. Rinse off and dry. Isolate from other squash of the same species by at least ½ mile.

Share your knowledge!

Do you have planting tips, photos, or recipes to share? You can contribute to this planting guide to help others using the UW Tacoma Seed Library by filling out the feedback and submission form.