Hybrid

Buttercup Maxima

Cucurbita maxima 'Buttercup'

A premium winter squash with dark green skin and distinctive light green stripes, prized for its incredibly sweet, smooth orange flesh that rivals sweet potatoes in flavor. This compact storage squash has excellent keeping qualities and a creamy, dense texture that makes it perfect for soups, pies, and roasting. The turban-shaped fruits are not only delicious but also decorative.

Harvest

95-105d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

koo-KER-bih-ta MAKS-ih-muh

☀️

Zones

3–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Difficulty

Moderate

🌱

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Buttercup Maxima in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 squash →

Zone Map

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Buttercup Maxima · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing48-72 inches

SoilRich, well-drained soil with organic matter

pH6.0-7.0

Water1 inch per week, reduce near harvest

SeasonWarm season

FlavorExceptionally sweet, creamy, and smooth with nutty undertones

ColorDark green with light green stripes

Size3-5 pounds, 6-8 inches diameter

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	June – July	October – October
Zone 4	—	—	June – July	October – October
Zone 5	—	—	May – June	September – October
Zone 6	—	—	May – June	September – October
Zone 7	—	—	April – June	August – October
Zone 8	—	—	April – May	August – September
Zone 9	—	—	March – April	July – August
Zone 10	—	—	February – April	June – August

Complete Growing Guide

Light: koo-KER-bih-ta MAKS-ih-muh. Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Soft or hard-shelled berries called pepos come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes and are harvested in the fall. The stems of the fruits generally have a soft corky texture compared to other species.

Color: Blue, Cream/Tan, Gold/Yellow, Gray/Silver, Orange, Pink, Red/Burgundy, Variegated, White. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible, Long-lasting, Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Summer

Storage & Preservation

Cure harvested Buttercup Maxima in direct sunlight for 7-10 days to harden the skin, then store in a cool (50-55°F), dry location with good air circulation. Properly cured fruits will keep for 4-6 months when stored on wooden shelves or cardboard, never touching each other. Check monthly and use any showing soft spots immediately.

For preservation, roast and puree the flesh before freezing in measured portions—this variety's dense, sweet flesh freezes beautifully for up to 12 months. The cooked puree works excellently for pressure canning following tested recipes. You can also slice and dehydrate the flesh into chips, though the high moisture content requires longer drying times. The seeds can be cleaned, seasoned, and roasted as a nutritious snack.

History & Origin

Origin: Central and South America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids

Marigolds

Repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and nematodes with natural compounds

Radishes

Deters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil

Corn

Provides natural trellis support and partial shade, part of Three Sisters planting

Beans

Fixes nitrogen in soil for heavy-feeding squash, completes Three Sisters guild

Catnip

Strongly repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other squash pests

Oregano

Repels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Sunflowers

Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators, provides wind protection

Keep Apart

Potatoes

Compete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders with similar root zones

Fennel

Inhibits growth through allelopathic compounds that stunt squash development

Aromatic herbs (Sage)

Strong oils can inhibit squash growth and may affect fruit development

Nutrition Facts

Calories

26kcal(1%)

Protein

0.52g(1%)

Carbs

5.64g(2%)

Fat

0.2g(0%)

Vitamin C

4.5mg(5%)

Iron

0.17mg(1%)

Calcium

9mg(1%)

Potassium

205mg(4%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168040)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to common cucurbit diseases

Common Pests

Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers

Diseases

Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, black rot

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Buttercup Maxima take to grow from seed to harvest?▼

Buttercup Maxima requires 95-105 days from seed to harvest, making it essential to plant at the right time for your growing zone. In shorter season areas (zones 3-5), start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date to ensure adequate growing time. The full maturity period is crucial for developing the variety's signature sweet flavor and proper storage characteristics.

Can you grow Buttercup Maxima in containers?▼

While technically possible, Buttercup Maxima is not ideal for container growing due to its extensive vine spread and heavy feeding requirements. If attempting container culture, use a minimum 20-gallon container, provide strong trellising, and limit to one fruit per plant. Ground cultivation produces far superior results for this variety.

What does Buttercup Maxima taste like compared to other winter squash?▼

Buttercup Maxima offers exceptionally sweet, creamy flesh with nutty undertones that rivals sweet potatoes in both flavor and texture. It's notably sweeter and smoother than butternut squash, with a denser, less stringy texture than acorn squash. The flavor actually improves during storage, becoming richer and more complex over time.

Is Buttercup Maxima good for beginner gardeners?▼

Buttercup Maxima is rated as moderate difficulty and may challenge beginning gardeners. It requires precise timing, rich soil preparation, consistent watering, and pest monitoring throughout a long growing season. New gardeners might find better success with easier winter squash varieties like acorn or delicata before attempting this premium variety.

When should I plant Buttercup Maxima seeds?▼

Plant Buttercup Maxima seeds 2-3 weeks after your last frost date when soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F or warmer. In short-season areas, start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date for transplanting. The key is ensuring 95-105 frost-free days for proper maturation while avoiding planting in cool soil that causes poor germination.

How do I know when Buttercup Maxima is ripe and ready to harvest?▼

A ripe Buttercup Maxima has rock-hard, dark green skin with distinct light green stripes, a dry corky stem, and a creamy yellow ground spot. The skin should resist thumbnail pressure, and the squash should produce a deep hollow sound when tapped. Harvest before the first hard frost but only after the stem naturally begins separating from the vine.