Heirloom

Waltham Butternut Squash

Cucurbita moschata

Larger fruits with small seed cavities and thick, straight, cylindrical necks. Flesh has smooth texture and sweet flavor, particularly after 2 months of storage. This 1970 All-America Selections Winner from Massachusetts is still deservedly the most widely grown, full-size OP butternut. Fruits avg. 9" long. AAS Winner. Avg. weight: 4-5 lb.

Harvest

105d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

White-Tailed Deer

☀️

Zones

3–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

4-10 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Waltham Butternut Squash in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 squash →

Zone Map

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Waltham Butternut Squash · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing6-8 feet

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter

pH6.0-6.8

Water1-2 inches per week, consistent until fruit set

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorSweet, nutty, and smooth with rich butterscotch notes

ColorTan-beige skin with bright orange flesh

Size9"

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 – 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: White-Tailed Deer. Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 3 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet, 3 feet-6 feet, 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Betternut 900'1 1/2 to 2lb range for fruit 'Butterfly'Compact vine 'Butterscotch'Very sweet 1 1/2 to 2lb fruits 'Honeynut'Warmer/long season climates because longer days to harvest, not best for storage eat immediately 'Metro'Very productive in less than ideal conditions, 'Betternut 900', 'Butterfly', 'Butterscotch', 'Honeynut', 'Metro'. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

A type of berry called a pepo that has a hard rind. Fruits may be long or round, large or small, smooth or warty. Comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Fruits and seeds are both edible.

Color: Blue, Cream/Tan, Gold/Yellow, Gray/Silver, Green, Orange, Variegated. Type: Berry. Length: 'Betternut 900'1 1/2 to 2lb range for fruit 'Butterfly'Compact vine 'Butterscotch'Very sweet 1 1/2 to 2lb fruits 'Honeynut'Warmer/long season climates because longer days to harvest, not best for storage eat immediately 'Metro'Very productive in less than ideal conditions, 'Betternut 900', 'Butterfly', 'Butterscotch', 'Honeynut', 'Metro'. Width: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible, Long-lasting, Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Summer

Storage & Preservation

Cure harvested Waltham Butternut in warm, dry conditions (80-85°F) for 10-14 days to harden the skin and heal minor wounds. After curing, store in a cool (50-55°F), dry location with good air circulation. Properly cured fruits can last 6-12 months when stored correctly.

Avoid refrigerating whole squash, as cold temperatures below 50°F cause chilling injury and accelerate deterioration. Check stored squash monthly, removing any showing soft spots immediately.

For preservation, peel and cube flesh, then blanch for 2 minutes before freezing in portions. Alternatively, roast halved squash until tender, scoop out flesh, and freeze in containers for up to 12 months. The smooth texture makes Waltham Butternut excellent for pressure canning as puree 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 strong scent

Corn

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

Beans

Fix nitrogen in soil for heavy-feeding squash, complete Three Sisters guild

Radishes

Deter squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, quick harvest before squash spreads

Catnip

Repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and ants more effectively than DEET

Dill

Attracts beneficial predatory wasps that control squash pests

Sunflowers

Attract pollinators essential for squash fruit development and provide windbreak

Keep Apart

Potatoes

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

Fennel

Allelopathic properties inhibit growth and development of squash plants

Aromatic herbs (Sage, Rosemary)

Strong essential oils may inhibit squash growth and reduce pollinator activity

Nutrition Facts

Calories

45kcal(2%)

Protein

1g(2%)

Fiber

2g(7%)

Carbs

11.7g(4%)

Fat

0.1g(0%)

Vitamin C

21mg(23%)

Vitamin A

532mcg(59%)

Vitamin K

1.1mcg(1%)

Iron

0.7mg(4%)

Calcium

48mg(4%)

Potassium

352mg(7%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169295)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Improved resistance to downy mildew and bacterial wilt

Common Pests

Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, vine borers

Diseases

Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, mosaic virus

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Waltham Butternut squash take to grow?▼

Waltham Butternut requires 100-120 days from seed to harvest. In northern climates, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost to ensure adequate growing time. The variety was specifically bred for shorter seasons, making it more reliable than traditional butternut types that often need 130+ days to mature fully.

Can you grow Waltham Butternut squash in containers?▼

While possible, Waltham Butternut is challenging in containers due to its vigorous vining habit requiring 6-8 feet of space. If attempting container growing, use a minimum 30-gallon container with strong trellising, and expect smaller yields. Bush-type summer squash varieties are better suited for container gardening than vining winter squash.

What does Waltham Butternut squash taste like?▼

Waltham Butternut offers a sweet, nutty flavor with distinctive butterscotch notes and smooth, fine-grained texture. The flesh is less stringy than many winter squash varieties, making it excellent for purees and soups without straining. When roasted, the natural sugars caramelize, intensifying the sweet, complex flavor profile.

When should I plant Waltham Butternut squash?▼

Plant Waltham Butternut when soil temperature reaches 65°F and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F. In zones 6 and colder, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date. Direct sow in zones 7+ after the last frost date. Cold soil below 60°F significantly reduces germination rates.

Is Waltham Butternut squash good for beginners?▼

Waltham Butternut is moderately beginner-friendly due to its disease resistance and reliable performance, but requires significant garden space and a long growing season. New gardeners should ensure they have adequate room (6-8 feet per plant) and understand the 100-120 day commitment before choosing this variety over easier summer squash options.

How do you know when Waltham Butternut squash is ready to harvest?▼

Harvest when the skin changes from glossy to completely matte with deep tan coloring and no green areas. The stem should appear dry and corky, and your thumbnail shouldn't pierce the skin easily. Perform the twist test - mature fruits will separate from the vine with gentle twisting pressure.