Squash (Winter) Seeds - Waltham Butternut

Waltham Butternut is a popular, high-yielding winter squash variety known for its sweet, nutty flavor and smooth, pale tan skin. This classic butternut squash is perfect for storage and provides a rich, velvety texture, making it a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. Waltham Butternut squash is easy to grow, with its long shelf life and excellent disease resistance, making it a favorite among home gardeners and farmers alike.

Key Benefits

• Sweet, Nutty Flavor: Waltham Butternut squash has a rich, naturally sweet taste with a smooth, creamy texture.
• Long Shelf Life: Once harvested, this variety stores well for months, allowing you to enjoy it long after the growing season has ended.
• High Yield: Known for its abundant fruit production, Waltham Butternut squash delivers a plentiful harvest of medium to large squashes.
• Disease-Resistant: This variety offers good resistance to common squash diseases, making it easier to grow in a variety of climates.
• Versatile in the Kitchen: Great for roasting, soups, pies, and even pureeing for baby food, this squash is a staple in many seasonal recipes.

Variety Features

• Appearance: The Waltham Butternut squash has a smooth, tan-colored skin and a pear-shaped body with an orange, dense flesh that is rich in nutrients.
• Flavor: Known for its naturally sweet, nutty flavor, it’s a favorite for roasting, mashing, or using in soups and pies.
• Maturity: Typically matures in 85-100 days, making it suitable for long-growing seasons or areas with a warm climate.
• Size: The squash can grow to 8-10 inches long, with a bulbous bottom and a smooth neck. Each squash weighs 3-5 pounds on average.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Warm Weather: Plant seeds after the last frost date when the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (16°C). Waltham Butternut squash requires full sun to grow optimally.

Planting Details

• Sowing Depth: Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep in well-prepared, fertile soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 36-48 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and room for vine growth.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Work in organic compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Water consistently throughout the growing season, providing deep irrigation to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Use drip irrigation or water at the base of the plants.

Light

• Waltham Butternut squash thrives in full sun and needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow successfully.

Temperature

• Ideal growing temperatures are between 70°F-90°F (21°C-32°C). Ensure that plants are protected from early frosts, as they are sensitive to cold temperatures.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Harvest when the squash’s skin turns a deep tan, and the stem begins to harden and dry. The flesh should feel firm, and the squash should have a dull, matte appearance.
• This variety typically matures 85-100 days after planting.

How to Harvest

• Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the squash from the vine, leaving a 2-3 inch stem attached. Avoid pulling the squash from the vine, as it can damage the fruit.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store squash in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. It will keep for 1-2 weeks at room temperature.
• Long-Term: For long-term storage, store squash in a cool (50-60°F / 10-15°C), dry area with low humidity. Under these conditions, Waltham Butternut squash can last for 3-6 months.

Culinary Uses

• Roasted: Slice the squash in half, remove seeds, and roast with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a sweet, caramelized flavor.
• Soups and Stews: Puree the roasted squash and add it to soups, stews, or curries for a smooth, velvety texture.
• Pies and Baked Goods: Use pureed Waltham Butternut squash as a base for pies, muffins, and bread.
• Mashed: Cook and mash the squash with butter, cream, and seasonings for a rich, comforting side dish.
• Fritters and Casseroles: Grate the squash and mix it with spices to make fritters, or add it to casseroles for a hearty addition.

Conclusion

Waltham Butternut is an excellent choice for home gardeners looking for a productive, flavorful winter squash. Its sweet, nutty taste, smooth texture, and long shelf life make it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Whether you're roasting, pureeing, or baking, this squash will add a delicious touch to your meals throughout the fall and winter months. With its disease resistance and high yield, Waltham Butternut squash is a reliable and rewarding choice for any garden.