Butternut Squash, Winter Squash 'Waltham'

Cucurbita moschata

Family
Cucurbitaceae (koo-ker-bih-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Cucurbita (koo-KER-bih-ta)
Species
moschata (MOSS-kuh-ta)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Herbaceous
Succulent
Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
Spacing
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Hardiness
Not Applicable
Danger
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Other Details
Category
Vegetables
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Hartford, Alabama

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Durham, California

Hornbrook, California

Redding, California

Stafford Springs, Connecticut

Kamuela, Hawaii

Lahaina, Hawaii

Madison, Illinois

Blue Grass, Iowa

Shawnee Mission, Kansas

Benton, Kentucky

Brodhead, Kentucky

West Barnstable, Massachusetts

Bellaire, Michigan

Onamia, Minnesota

Blue Mountain, Mississippi

Lucedale, Mississippi

Aurora, Missouri

Saint Joseph, Missouri

Saint Louis, Missouri

Clovis, New Mexico

Los Alamos, New Mexico

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Binghamton, New York

Buffalo, New York

Candler, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina

Leetonia, Ohio

Vinton, Ohio

Selma, Oregon

Hatfield, Pennsylvania

Jonesville, South Carolina

Harrison, Tennessee

Lenoir City, Tennessee

Galena Park, Texas

Katy, Texas

Liberty Hill, Texas

San Antonio, Texas

Jensen, Utah

Smithfield, Virginia

Grand Mound, Washington

Rochester, Washington

Volga, West Virginia

Black Earth, Wisconsin

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Gardener's Notes:

7
positives
5
neutrals
0
negative
Sort By:
Sort By:
D
| February 2021 | positive

I don't know why people are leaving neutral reviews. These winter squash taste great, and are easy to grow. Try cinnamon and/or butter wi...Read More

B
Black Earth, WI | September 2013 | positive

These are fantastic. Everyone has said a lot about yield and how vigorous they are, so I will just say how LONG they keep - all winter a...Read More

3
3
Leetonia, OH | June 2011 | positive

These plants produce well. We picked the squash at the end of August last year and many fruit are still keeping.

C
West Barnstable, MA | May 2009 | neutral

I have grown Waltham butternut in three different locations in southeastern Massachusetts (Plympton, Pembroke, and currently on Cape Cod)...Read More

L
Jonesville, SC (Zone 7b) | January 2009 | neutral

Vines keep growing and growing producing a good many butternuts. Taste is good.

S
Selma, OR | June 2007 | positive

Prolific and great tasting. Stores well into the next season.

B
Braselton, GA (Zone 8a) | March 2007 | neutral

It was an AAS winner in 1970 and is "the result of years of patient refinement and selection by Bob Young of Waltham, Mass.

B
| November 2006 | positive

This was a big hit in my garden this year! A great keeper, lovely sweet taste and was the best producer in our squash plot!

P
Los Alamos, NM (Zone 5a) | July 2006 | positive

This is one of my family favorites. I grow more every year and never have enough. I learned that it is better to leave them on the vine...Read More

A
A
San Antonio, TX | December 2005 | neutral

Harvest before first frost or when ready. Leave 1-2 inches of stem attached.

Excellent for storing, and is great baked, st...Read More

M
M
Benton, KY (Zone 7a) | April 2004 | positive

Tasty and productive. I couldn't ask for a better winter squash. They keep for long periods and bake up to a wonderful texture.

D
D
| August 2001 | neutral

This is a winter squash noted for its longevity in storage, as well as it's unique buttery flavor.

Sow after all threat of...Read More

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