Heirloom

Buttercup Squash

Cucurbita maxima

Known as Rouge vif d'Etampes in France. "Rouge vif" means "vivid red." This is an attractive variety for fall display. Shaped flat, looking like a red cheese wheel, the fruits average 10-15 lb. The moderately sweet, orange flesh is excellent for pies. Also known as Cinderella.

Harvest

115d

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 Squash in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 squash →

Zone Map

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Buttercup Squash · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing48-72 inches

SoilRich, well-drained soil with high organic content

pH6.0-6.8

Water1 inch per week, reduce watering as fruits mature

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorSweet, creamy, and rich with notes of sweet potato and honey

ColorDark green skin with gray 'button', deep orange flesh

Size10-15 lb.

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	October – October
Zone 6	—	—	May – June	September – November
Zone 7	—	—	April – June	September – October
Zone 8	—	—	April – May	August – October
Zone 9	—	—	March – April	July – September
Zone 10	—	—	February – April	July – 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 squash in warm (80-85°F), well-ventilated conditions for 10 days to harden the skin and seal minor surface wounds. After curing, store in cool (50-55°F), dry locations with good air circulation. Properly cured buttercup squash will keep 5-6 months, often improving in sweetness through winter storage.

Check stored squash monthly and use any with soft spots immediately. For preservation, this variety excels when cooked and frozen as puree — the dense flesh freezes beautifully for up to 18 months. Simply roast halved squash cut-side down at 400°F for 45 minutes, scoop out flesh, and freeze in portions. The sweet, smooth texture also makes excellent dehydrated chips when sliced thin and dried at 135°F for 8-12 hours. Pressure canning works well for cubed buttercup squash following USDA guidelines.

History & Origin

Origin: Central and South America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Nasturtiums

Trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids

Marigolds

Repel cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with their strong scent

Radishes

Deter squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, mature quickly before squash spreads

Beans

Fix nitrogen in soil to feed heavy-feeding squash plants

Corn

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

Catnip

Repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other common squash pests

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like predatory wasps that control squash pests

Sunflowers

Attract pollinators essential for squash fruit production and provide windbreak

Keep Apart

Potatoes

Compete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders requiring similar soil resources

Brassicas

Cabbage family plants can stunt squash growth and attract flea beetles

Fennel

Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of squash and most other garden plants

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 powdery mildew and mosaic virus

Common Pests

Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers

Diseases

Bacterial wilt, downy mildew, black rot

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does buttercup squash take to grow?▼

Buttercup squash requires 100-110 days from seed to harvest, making it a long-season crop. In northern zones, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost to ensure adequate growing time. The extended growing period is essential for developing the variety's signature sweet, dense flesh and proper storage characteristics.

Can you grow buttercup squash in containers?▼

Buttercup squash is challenging in containers due to extensive vine spread (6-8 feet) and heavy feeding requirements. If attempting container growing, use at least 30-gallon containers with rich potting mix, provide sturdy trellising, and plan for frequent watering and fertilizing. Bush-type winter squash varieties are better container choices.

What does buttercup squash taste like?▼

Buttercup squash has incredibly sweet, creamy flesh that rivals sweet potatoes in flavor and texture. The cooked flesh is dense and dry (never watery) with notes of honey and sweet potato. Its rich, smooth consistency makes it excellent for both savory dishes like soups and sweet applications like pies and desserts.

When should I plant buttercup squash seeds?▼

Plant buttercup squash seeds after soil temperature reaches 65°F, typically 2 weeks after last frost. In zones 5 and cooler, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost due to the 100-110 day growing requirement. Never rush planting — cold soil causes poor germination and stunted growth in this variety.

Is buttercup squash good for beginners?▼

Buttercup squash is moderately challenging for beginners due to its long growing season, space requirements, and specific storage needs. However, it's forgiving once established and offers excellent disease resistance. New gardeners in zones 6 and warmer with adequate space will find it rewarding, while those in cooler zones should gain experience with shorter-season varieties first.

How do you know when buttercup squash is ripe?▼

Ripe buttercup squash has completely lost all green coloring, developing deep, matte skin with pronounced gray 'buttons' on top. The stem becomes dry and woody, and mature fruits resist fingernail denting. Harvest only when fully mature — underripe buttercup squash lacks the sweet, creamy texture that makes this variety special.