Buttercup squash is a unique winter squash variety known for its turban-shaped fruits with sweet, nutty orange flesh Growing these heirloom beauties in your own garden can be highly rewarding, but does require some patience and TLC This comprehensive growing guide covers everything you need to successfully grow buttercup squash, from choosing the right seeds to harvesting the mature fruits.
Selecting Buttercup Squash Seeds or Seedlings
The first step is acquiring buttercup squash seeds or transplants When purchasing seeds, look for an heirloom variety such as ‘Burgess Buttercup’ or ‘Bonbon Buttercup’ which will produce the characteristic turban fruits Buttercup squash can be grown from seed indoors or directly sown in the garden. If buying seedlings, select young plants with just 2-3 true leaves.
When to Plant Buttercup Squash
Buttercup squash needs a long growing season of approximately 105 days. Plan your planting schedule accordingly:
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To start seeds indoors, sow 2-3 weeks before your last expected frost date.
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To direct sow seeds, wait 1-2 weeks after your area’s last spring frost.
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To transplant seedlings, wait until 2 weeks after the last frost.
Buttercup squash must have warm soil and air temperatures to thrive.
Where to Plant Buttercup Squash
Buttercup squash thrives in full sun locations with fertile, well-draining soil. Choose a site that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Amend the soil with compost or rotted manure before planting to enrich nutrient levels. The vines need adequate room to sprawl, so space seeds or plants 4-6 feet apart in all directions. Use trellises, cages, or allow the vines to spread over a slope.
How to Plant Buttercup Squash
For seeds: Sow 2-3 seeds per cell in biodegradable pots or plug flats, 1 inch deep. Thin to one seedling per cell.
For transplants: Carefully separate the root ball and plant in holes 2 feet apart and 2 inches deeper than the container. Refill soil and water in well.
For direct sowing: Plant 2-3 seeds together in mounds 4 feet apart at a 1 inch depth. Thin later.
Cover all seeds lightly with soil and water gently after planting.
Caring for Buttercup Squash Plants
Buttercup squash vines require attentive care for optimal growth:
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Water 1-2 inches per week. Avoid leaf wetness.
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Fertilize weekly with a balanced organic fertilizer once flowering begins.
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Mulch around plants to retain moisture and deter weeds.
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Support vines by training them upward on trellises or providing ground support structures.
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Scout for pests like cucumber beetles and eradicate by hand or organic methods promptly.
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Remove competing weeds. Hand pull shallowly to protect squash roots.
With attentive care, your vines will flourish!
When and How to Harvest Buttercup Squash
Buttercup squash is ready for picking approximately 105 days from seeding. Watch for these tell-tale signs:
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The rind of the fruit becomes deep green and very hard.
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The stem near the fruit shrivels and dries.
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The bottom of the fruit (where it contacts soil) turns from white to a gold/orange hue.
To harvest, use pruners or a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving 2-3 inches of stem attached. Harvest gently to avoid bruising the tender flesh. Cure for 10 days in a warm, dry area before storage.
Storing Buttercup Squash After Harvest
Mature buttercup squash can be stored for 2-3 months in ideal cool, dry conditions between 50-60°F. Check regularly for signs of decay and use spoiled fruit promptly. Cured, uncut squash keeps longest.
With its sweet flavor and unique turban shape, buttercup squash is a fun heirloom to cultivate. Pay close attention to timing, spacing, soil prep, and moisture when growing these vines. Provide consistent support and scout for pests. Allow fruits to fully mature on the vine before gently harvesting. With just a bit of patience and care, you’ll be rewarded with a winter’s supply of delicious and nutritious buttercup squash straight from your garden.
How To Harvest And Store Buttercup Or Winter Squash!
FAQ
How long does it take for a buttercup squash to grow?
Does buttercup squash need a trellis?
What’s the difference between butternut and buttercup squash?
How do you grow buttercup squash?
Buttercup squash grows on vines or in bushes. Each vine will need 6ft of row spacing for bush or short vine varieties. If it is a long vine variety, it will need 12 feet. The traditional way of growing squash plants is to plant them on the tops of a mound and allow a tall plant like corn or sunflowers to support the growth of the vines.
how do I prepare yellow squash?
Roasted (or Baked) – Cut in half, slice or cut into pieces. Brush with olive oil and season with salt. Bake at 400-degrees for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Throw some other veggies on there to make a delicious roasted vegetable medley. Sautéed – Slice or cut into smaller pieces and sauté in butter over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Season with salt or seasoning (see ideas below). Grilled – Cut into thick slices or wedges. Brush with vegetable oil and grill for 5 minutes per side or until tender. Season with salt with each turn. Air Fried – Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Air fry at 375-degrees for 8 minutes, flipping half-way through. Season more after flipping if needed.
How long does buttercup squash take to grow?
Buttercup squash facts indicate that the heirloom variety often develops turban-shaped fruit, an eye-appealing oddity. The fruit is an excellent source of carotenoids, an important antioxidant, and Vitamin C. The plant needs 105 days from seed to harvest. It is a sprawling, vine-like plant that requires plenty of room to grow.
Can you grow buttercup squash indoors?
Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before planting out, or direct sow once all danger of frost has passed. Buttercup winter squash grown indoors will need to be hardened off before transplant. Transplant when they have two pairs of true leaves. Space plants or seed 6 feet (1.8 m.) apart. If necessary, thin plants to one per recommended spacing.
When should buttercup squash be planted?
The ideal time to plant buttercup squash is after the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches around 60°F (15°C). This usually occurs in late spring or early summer. How often should I water my buttercup squash plants?
Do buttercup winter squash grow well?
Buttercup winter squash needs a long growing season and plenty of sun and heat to produce the small fruits that thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-11. Heirloom plants are all the rage today. They allow gardeners to explore food varieties that our grandparents grew and that have time-tested reliability.