Burgess Buttercup Organic Winter Squash

Nature & Nurture Seeds

Cucurbita maxima

$4.49

Pkt(≈20 seeds)
VALUE SIZE: 3/4 oz (≈120 seeds).
Certified Organic

In pursuit of a great tasting buttercup squash, we decided to try Burgess because of its Great Lakes roots and we were definitely pleased with our choice. Buttercup squashes belong to the species Cucurbita maxima, originating in South America and domesticated by Native Americans. Buttercup squashes are known for their sweet, nutty, dense and flaky meat. This particular variety was introduced in 1932 by Burgess Seed & Plant Co. of Bloomington, IL. The mature squash are dark green, medium sized (5 - 8” diameter, 3 - 5 lbs.), with deep orange flesh. Rind is thin yet hard and sometimes develops warts (these will not affect the quality of the squash). High yielding. Plants are vining and grow well in a “three sisters” planting (see Growing Instructions tab). Terrific baked, Burgess Buttercup’s flesh is rich and nutty like chestnuts! Add a lil’ bit of butter for a warm, velvety treat. Stores well under good conditions.

95 days to maturity.

Winter squashes are grown during the summer but can be stored during the winter. Burgess Buttercup is a vining squash so allow plenty of space for them to grow. Direct sow seeds outdoors (1/2-1” deep) around June 1st (space 4’ apart). Days to germination: 4-10. As with all cucurbits, squash plants do not like their roots disturbed during transplanting so if starting seeds indoors, use biodegradable pots. Start seeds indoors May 1st – ideal temperature for germination is 85°- 95° (use heating mat). Squash seedlings are sensitive to damping off fungus so keep seeds on the drier side and use a fan (set to low) to provide air circulation. Once 2 leaves appear, grow plants at 72°. Do not let plants become potbound. Transplant (pot and all) outdoors around June 1st, spaced 4’ apart. Squash like soil with a lot of organic matter so add compost and/or decomposed manure to soil prior to planting. Protect seedlings from cucumber beetles and squash bugs by covering seeds/seedlings with row cover fabric at planting and leave it on until plants are flowering. Protect squash plants from deer and groundhogs.