20 Seeds.
Other Names - Butternut Squash, Winter Squash…
This squash variety is one of the best butternut squash varieties available. Waltham Butternut squash produces its fruits early which is important here in the UK as our growing season is fairly short. The neck is elongated and the seed cavity is very small therefore producing more orange juicy flesh. The flesh of the squash has a good flavour and the variety can be stored for several months.
Suitable For - Vegetable plot, raised beds, container garden
Sowing Months - Late April - early June
Harvest - September - November
Add some well rotted manure or compost to the growing area a few months before planting. 1 - 2 weeks before planting add some general purpose organic fertilizer and remove any weeds.
General Information | Sowing & Planting Information | ||
---|---|---|---|
Habit | Annual | Module Grown & Transplants | |
Type | N/A | Distance between plants | 90 cm |
Position | Full sun | Distance between rows | 150 cm |
Average height | N/A | Direct Sowing | |
Average spread | 250 cm | Sowing distance between plants | N/A |
Hardiness | Half hardy | Distance between rows | N/A |
Overwintering | Stored | Sowing depth | 1.5 - 2 cm |
Soil Ph | 6.5 - 7.0 | Germination temperature | 20 to 25℃ |
Days to germination | 7 - 14 days |
Sow 1 seed on its edge per 5 - 7 cm pot. Ensure adequate heat is available for fast germination. Once germination starts reduce the heat and move the seedlings to an area with good daylight exposure, a warm windowsill or warm greenhouse. 2 - 3 weeks after germination plant out.
The plants will need hardening off over 7 - 10 days before planting out to reduce shock. Discard any weak or unhealthy looking plants. Plant out at the distance suggested above.
If the soil is poor with very little organic matter it will be beneficial at this stage to dig a trench about 30 cm wide and 30 cm deep for each individual plant. Fill each trench with a 50 / 50 mix of either compost or well rotted manure and soil. Plant out carefully as the stems of the plants are very fragile and easy to snap or damage. Firm the soil around each plant and water well. Cover the newly planted squash plants with horticultural fleece.
Squash plants are vulnerable to the cold, it is best to start the seeds indoors then a few weeks later plant out.
Weed often especially in the early stages. The plants are fast growing, with large leaves, long stems and require plenty of room. Water well in dry weather, water around the base of the plants rather that over the leaves.
They will benefit from a mulch of compost to help retain the moisture in the surrounding soil.
Keep an eye on trailing varieties so that they do not end up smothering nearby beds. Rather than cutting the rambling growth try pointing the growing point in the direction you prefer them to go.
Winter squash plants generally grow much bigger than summer squash.
Winter squashes are left on the plants to mature and are harvested in October or just before the first frosts arrive. During this time the fruits will have developed a hard skin making them suitable for storing over the winter months.
For storage purposes it is vital that the area where the fruit stem and fruit meets is not damaged in anyway when harvesting otherwise mould can set in and spoil the squash. To reduce the chances of damaging this area when harvesting rather than cutting the hard fruit stem, cut the plant stem on either side instead so you are left with a squash with a stem resembling the letter 'T'.
Store the winter squashes as dry as possible and at room temperature. If stored correctly the squashes will keep until spring. Any unripe squashes with soft skins by October will not store well and will need to be treated like summer squashes. Eat unripe squashes soon after harvesting.
If the summer is wet and the soil is constantly saturated raise the squashes off the ground by placing them on pieces of wood. This will help to prevent the squashes rotting in the damp conditions.
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