(C. moschata) This is an important entrant in the short-season butternut category. Many of us in the cooler north who cannot mature the classic Waltham types are always on the lookout for a reliable shorter-season producer. We think Butterbush fits the bill. Very compact bushes are a boon to space-constrained gardeners, but these deliver full-sized yields even for the field grower. Medium 2-4lb fruit with moist, sweet, deep orange flesh of excellent quality, rich taste, and a tiny seed cavity (and seed yield, we must say!). The best tasting, most productive, and most brilliant orange butternut we've ever grown in northern climes (it is shades darker than the website photo). 95-100 days. TR
Sow indoors 3-4 weeks before your last frost date. Keep soil moist, but not soaking, before emergence, growing at 70F. A growing medium that is too wet and cold will cause the seeds to rot.
Transplant out 1-3 weeks after your last frost date when the soil has sufficiently warmed.
Direct sow 2-3 weeks after the last frost when soil is 70F+.
Note: Even deep watering keeps these plants thriving.
PLANTING DEPTH:
1/2"-1"
SPACING:
18-24" at 5' between rows.
EMERGENCE:
3-7 days @ soil temp 65-85F
LIGHT:
Full sun
FERTILITY:
Moderate. Prefers well-drained, evenly moist, and well-balanced fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Be gentle while transplanting to keep the root system undisturbed.
Row cover may be used to provide extra warmth, possible earlier fruit set, and prevent insect damage. Remove as plants begin to flower and require pollinator visits!
Good airflow and well-drained soil can help prevent disease.
Handle gently during harvest and sun cure with good ventilation.
Good ventilation and temperatures between 50-60F and relative humidity between 50-70% are the best for storage.
