Winter squashes are grown during the summer but can be stored during the winter. This is a semi-vining squash so allow plenty of space for them to grow (vines get about 12' long). 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. These squash are generally more resistant to pests and diseases but you may want to 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.
Allow squash to mature as much as possible on the vine before frost threatens. The skin should be so hard that you can’t push a fingernail into it. Harvest squash before nights get below 45 degrees.
This squash belongs to the species Cucurbita maxima and will cross (by insect) with all other Cucurbita maxima squashes (including hubbard, marrow, and other buttercups). Isolation distance is ½ mile (or you can save seed and see what you get!). Minimum population size: 6-25 plants (but you can save seed from fewer plants if the seeds are for your own use). Always select seeds from the best plants. Scoop out seeds from mature squash, rinse and dry seeds.
Our Recommendations with Kindred Orange Buttercup Winter Squash
