Hybrid

Buttercup Squash (Burgess Strain)

Cucurbita maxima 'Buttercup'

A beloved winter squash variety that produces dark green, turban-shaped fruits with a distinctive button on the blossom end and sweet orange flesh that's incredibly versatile in the kitchen. This reliable producer stores exceptionally well through winter and offers one of the best flavor profiles of any winter squash - sweet, nutty, and creamy when cooked. Perfect for gardeners wanting a premium winter squash that excels in both storage and culinary applications.

Harvest

100-120d

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 (Burgess Strain) in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 squash →

Zone Map

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Buttercup Squash (Burgess Strain) · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing6-8 feet between plants

SoilRich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter

pH6.0-6.8

Water1 inch per week, reduce as fruits mature

SeasonWarm season

FlavorVery sweet, nutty, and creamy with rich, dense texture

ColorDark green exterior with bright orange flesh

Size3-5 pounds, 6-8 inches across

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

Properly cured Buttercup Squash (Burgess Strain) stores exceptionally well for 5-8 months in ideal conditions. Store in a cool, dry location between 50-55°F with good air circulation—a basement, garage, or pantry works perfectly. Avoid refrigeration, which can cause chilling injury and poor flavor development.

Check stored squash monthly, removing any showing soft spots immediately. The dense, sweet flesh freezes beautifully when cooked—roast until tender, scoop out the flesh, and freeze in portions for up to 12 months. For pressure canning, cube the flesh and process according to USDA guidelines for winter squash.

Dehydrating works well for making squash leather or chips—slice thin, blanch briefly, then dehydrate at 125°F until leathery. The cooked flesh also makes excellent baby food purees that freeze well in ice cube trays for convenient portions.

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

Radishes

Deters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil for squash roots

Corn

Provides natural shade and wind protection, part of traditional Three Sisters planting

Beans

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

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like predatory wasps that control squash pests

Catnip

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

Sunflowers

Attracts pollinators essential for squash fruit production, provides beneficial shade

Keep Apart

Potatoes

Compete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders that deplete soil

Fennel

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of squash and most vegetables

Aromatic herbs (strong)

Plants like sage and rosemary can stunt squash growth through chemical interference

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 squash diseases, excellent storage capability

Common Pests

Squash bug, cucumber beetle, squash vine borer

Diseases

Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does buttercup squash Burgess strain take to grow?▼

Buttercup Squash (Burgess Strain) requires 100-120 days from seed to harvest. In most regions, this means planting in late May or early June for harvest in September or October. The exact timing depends on your growing zone and when soil temperatures reach 65°F consistently.

Can you grow buttercup squash in containers?▼

While possible, growing Buttercup Squash (Burgess Strain) in containers is challenging due to their 8-10 foot vine spread and heavy feeding requirements. If attempting container growing, use a minimum 30-gallon container with sturdy trellising and expect reduced yields compared to ground planting.

What does buttercup squash Burgess strain taste like?▼

Buttercup Squash (Burgess Strain) offers an exceptional flavor profile that's sweet, nutty, and remarkably creamy when cooked. The flesh is dense and dry, similar to sweet potato but with a more complex, rich taste that many consider superior to butternut squash for both savory and sweet applications.

Is buttercup squash good for beginners?▼

Buttercup Squash (Burgess Strain) rates as moderate difficulty, making it suitable for beginners with some gardening experience. The main challenges are managing the large vine spread, protecting from squash vine borers, and timing the long growing season properly. Success comes from adequate space planning and consistent care.

When should I plant buttercup squash Burgess strain?▼

Plant Buttercup Squash (Burgess Strain) when soil temperature reaches 65°F consistently, typically 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. In most temperate zones, this means late May to early June planting for fall harvest. Count back 120 days from your first expected hard frost to determine your latest planting date.

How do you know when buttercup squash is ripe?▼

Ripe Buttercup Squash (Burgess Strain) displays deep green skin with no glossy sheen, a well-defined button on the blossom end, and a brown, corky stem. The skin should resist thumbnail pressure, and the ground spot should be creamy yellow. These visual cues are more reliable than size alone for determining harvest readiness.