Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash
Harvest Type: Continuous
Transplant/Direct Sow: Direct sow or transplant
When to Plant: 2 or more weeks after the last average frost date.
Days to Germinate: 10 days
Days to Maturity: 110-120 days
Planting Depth: 1” deep
Germination Temp: Above 70°F
Seed Spacing: Plant in hills with 4 seeds per hill. Space hills 8' apart.
Rows: 5' apart
Light: Full sun
Soil pH: 5.5-6.8 pH
Water: 1-2” of water per week
Soil Temperature: Optimal range is 70-95°F
Fertilizer: 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio at 2-3 pounds per 100 square feet of row space.
Rotation: Annually
Harvest Type
Butternut squash is an indeterminate annual plant with a single harvest that stretches through the growing season.
TIP: To increase yield, use a liquid fertilizer at the plants' base when they begin to bloom. A 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio fertilizer is good. Fish emulsion is excellent.
Transplant / Direct Sow
You can direct sow or transplant butternut squash seeds.
When to Plant:
Butternut squash cannot tolerate cold or frost. Plant 2-3 weeks after the last average frost date. Use a row cover to protect from light freezing. The soil temperature should be 70°F-95°F.
TIP: Use successive growing to produce a second crop of butternut squash. Plant 12 weeks before the average first frost date for crop harvest in the fall.
Days to germinate
It takes squash seeds about ten days to germinate.
Days to maturity
It takes about 100-120 days, depending on the variety you plant.
Planting Depth
Plant seeds at 1" deep.
Spacing Between Plants
Plant seeds in hills with 3-4 seeds per hill. Thin to 1-2 plants per hill. Space hills 8' apart. Butternut squash will produce 4' runners in all directions. Some varieties will take over a 20' x 20' space.
TIP: Smaller varieties of winter squash, such as butternut, turban, and small pumpkins, will grow vertically, saving garden space. Make sure to provide them with plenty of vertical support.
Growing conditions
Butternut squash is a heat lover. Plant in full sun when the outside temperature is over 75°F, and the soil temperature is above 70°F. Amend the soil before planting hills with a balanced fertilizer such as aged compost, manure or a 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio fertilizer. They like to go a little dry between waterings. Allow the top 1-2" of soil to dry and then water. Do not allow them to wilt. Water using 1-2" of water per week in a slow, deep watering cycle.
Companion Plants
Corn, culinary herbs, pole beans, and cucumbers all make excellent companion plants.
Rotation
Rotate butternut squash each year. They are heavy feeds, so plan to amend the soil each year.
Anticipated yields
Plan your garden yield at 2-3 butternut squash plants per person for daily consumption, and expect 10-20 or more squash per plant. Butternut squash, in general, stores well for 2-6 months if kept in a cool, dark place. Butternut squash puree freezes well and is excellent for canning.