Waltham Butternut Winter Squash Seeds

Waltham Butternut Winter Squash Heirloom Vegetable Garden Seeds
Cucurbita moschata
Listing is for 1 packet of minimum 15 seeds

Check out my video tutorial on how to grow squash from seed to harvest: https://youtu.be/t-M1TY9np04

This cultivar of butternut squash was bread to have straighter necks and smaller seed cavities. Its a very old heirloom that is still widely grown today. Plants yield on average 4 to 5 squash that can be stored for months. If you struggle with squash bugs and the dreaded squash vine borer, then I recommend squash cultivars that are part of the Cucurbita Moschata (like this one) because they have thicker/harder stems and vines that are more difficult for these pests to get into.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Sun: Full sun

Water: Let the soil dry out a little bit in-between watering

Fertilizer: Consistent applications of fertilizer is important to promote lots of new, healthy, green growth to outpace the diseases and pests. Amend the soil with some organic granular fertilizer like Espoma Garden-Tone before direct sowing the seeds. Or sprinkle some into the planting hole if using transplants. Apply 1/4 cup of this fertilizer every 10-14 days to keep the nutrient supply consistent. I don't recommend using a synthetic fertilizer when fertilizing this frequently. 

When & How To Sow Seeds: For a spring crop, direct sow the seeds after your last spring frost date. For a fall crop, direct sow seeds at minimum, 4 months before your first winter frost date. Sow 2-3 seeds in a mound, 1/2 inch deep, spaced 2FT apart, in rows spaced 3FT apart. Can also sow seeds indoors in 4 inch pots, 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date to get an early start. 

Germination: 5-10 days

Days To Maturity: 110 days after direct sowing the seed 

How & When To Harvest: Butternut squash is ready for harvest when the outter rind has turned tan and the woody stem piece that attaches it to the vine is dried out and turned brown. 

Watch this video clip to learn how to hand pollinate: https://youtube.com/shorts/3z7WTkeUCYc

Common Diseases: Squash get a lot of leaf diseases caused by pathogens like molds, fungus spores, bacteria etc.... It is very common, so dont worry. Spray with 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water to clean and disinfect. Repeat every 5 days or so as a preventative, or until you notice the spread of the disease has stopped. 

Common Pests: Critters like rabbits love to munch on newly germinated seedlings, so protection from small animals might be required. If you notice the leaves are chewed up and there are small black, green, or orange balls, worms/caterpillars are chewing up the plants. Spray with BT or spinosad to treat for the worms.    

Do I have a YouTube video tutorial on how to grow this? I have one on how to grow squash: https://youtu.be/t-M1TY9np04

Additional Tips/Information: N/A