Waltham Butternut Squash
Waltham Butternut Squash is an heirloom winter squash variety with heavy yields of 6 lb fruits on vigorous vines. Excellent storage potential — up to one year in most cases. Cucurbita moschata. 105 days to maturity.
Treatment: Untreated
Description
Be sure to check out our Winter Squash Growing Guide to learn how to successfully grow winter squash at home.
Waltham Butternut Squash is an heirloom variety that is time-tested and remains the gold standard among open-pollinated, butternut squash varieties. This variety produces large fruits with small seed cavities and plenty of delicious flesh for making roasted squash, pies, soups and more! Developed in Massachusetts, this variety was an AAS winner in 1970.
Waltham Butternut Squash produces vigorous vines that should be given plenty of room to grow. At full maturity, fruits will average 6 lbs each. This variety is known for its storage potential and ability to sweeten after harvesting. Fruits will actually have a sweeter flavor 2 months after harvesting when the sugars have had a chance to mature inside the fruit. The storage potential is long and can be over a year in some cases.
Waltham Butternut Squash may be direct-seeded or transplanted, although we highly recommend direct seeding. To ensure a good stand, we recommend planting Seeds every 12" along the intended row. Once plants emerge, thin plants to one every 2 feet. Winter Squash can be susceptible to plant diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew if leaves receive excess moisture. As a result, we recommend using drip irrigation on winter squash to reduce plant moisture and feed plants more effectively. During periods of heavy rainfall, using a fungicide like Liquid Copper can help to alleviate disease pressure as well.
Winter Squash is a crop that will produce a one-time harvest at the end of the growing season. They should be harvested when plants die back and the fruits obtain their full color. Stem hardness is also an indication of fruit maturity. Once stems harden, fruits are ready for harvest using a set of pruning shears. Winter Squash can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months, depending on variety and sugar content. Once fruits are harvested, remove the plants from the garden to prevent any fungal spores from overwintering and becoming a problem in future years. Proper crop rotation is extremely important with all pumpkin varieties to reduce disease and pest pressure.
Waltham Butternut Squash Planting Information
Planting Method: direct seed
When to Plant: after last frost
Planting Depth: 1/2"
Seed Spacing: 18-24"
Row Spacing: 5-6'
Days to Maturity: 105
Disease Resistance: None
