How to Grow Burpee's Butternut Squash
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Burpee's Butternut Squash
Cucurbita moschata
vegetableBurpee's Butternut is a winter squash variety known for its smooth, tan exterior and sweet, orange flesh. It produces large, bottle-shaped fruits on vigorous vining plants that typically weigh 3-4 pounds. This cultivar is prized for storage capability, culinary versatility, and reliable yields.
When should you plant Burpee's Butternut Squash in your zone?
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Example Burpee's Butternut Squash timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Burpee's Butternut Squash
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Burpee's Butternut Squash
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Burpee's Butternut Squash dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; grows well in cooler regions when started early
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Get my Burpee's Butternut Squash timeline →Growth Stages
Seed germination
7-10 daysSeeds sprout and send up cotyledons (seed leaves). Soil should be warm (70-85°F) for optimal germination.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bottom heat if needed. Germination occurs in 7-10 days.
Seedling & vine establishment
3-4 weeksTrue leaves emerge; plant produces vigorous vining growth with multiple stems. Tendrils develop and vines begin sprawling.
Thin seedlings to strongest plant if direct seeding. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Install trellises if space-constrained.
Flowering
2-3 weeksLarge yellow flowers appear on vines; male flowers emerge first, followed by female flowers (identifiable by small fruit behind bloom).
Hand-pollinate female flowers with male flower pollen if bee activity is low. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering. Keep watering consistent.
Fruit development & maturation
4-6 weeksYoung fruits grow from pollinated flowers, expanding to full size. Skin hardens and changes from green to tan/beige. Fruit reaches 3-4 pounds.
Provide consistent water (1-2 inches weekly). Avoid overhead watering. Apply balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer. Remove excessive foliage shading fruit if needed.
Ripeness & harvest readiness
1-2 weeks before harvestSkin becomes hard and tan-colored. Stem hardens and browns slightly. Fruit cannot be easily pierced with fingernail.
Stop watering 1-2 weeks before harvest to cure skin. Monitor for first frost danger in cool climates. Harvest before hard freezes.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect vines regularly for entry holes; inject BT into stems or use surgical removal. Wrap base of stems with aluminum foil. Plant succession crops to avoid timing with adult emergence.
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Hand-pick adults and egg clusters (yellow/orange eggs on leaf undersides). Use row covers until flowering. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap in early morning.
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Ensure good air circulation by pruning lower leaves. Apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate. Water soil, not foliage. Remove infected leaves.
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Use row covers early season. Trap adults with yellow sticky traps. Apply spinosad or neem oil. Interplant with catnip or tansy as deterrents.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use yellow sticky traps. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects.
Uses
Roasting & purées
CulinaryButternut squash is ideal for roasting, making soups, and purees due to its sweet, dense orange flesh. The flesh becomes creamy when cooked and works in both savory dishes and desserts. [source]
Nutritional value
CulinaryRich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. One cup of cooked butternut squash provides substantial amounts of daily recommended vitamins. [source]
Long-term storage
HouseholdButternut squash is an excellent winter storage crop, keeping 2-3 months when properly cured and stored in cool, dry conditions. [source]
Wildlife food source
WildlifeSquash flowers attract pollinators including bees and butterflies. Seeds and leftover fruit can provide nutrition for wildlife. [source]
Decorative & fall displays
CraftThe attractive tan coloring and bottle shape make Burpee's Butternut popular for fall decorations and harvest displays. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest when skin is hard and tan-colored, typically 75-90 days after planting. Cut fruit from vine with 2-3 inches of stem attached using pruning shears. Cure harvested squash in warm (75-85°F), dry location for 7-10 days to harden skin and extend storage life. Store in cool (50-55°F), dry location; properly cured fruit lasts 2-3 months. Harvest before first frost in cool climates.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Burpee's Butternut was developed by the W. Atlee Burpee Company in the early 20th century and remains one of the most reliable butternut cultivars for home gardeners.
- 🌱 Butternut squash actually becomes sweeter after storage due to starches converting to sugars—fruit picked in fall often tastes better in winter.
- 🌱 A single butternut plant can produce 3-6 fruits or more, depending on growing conditions and variety vigor.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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