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How to Grow Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata)

Ready to grow Butternut Squash?

Order seeds from trusted suppliers.

🛒 Amazon 🌿 True Leaf

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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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Find Your Butternut Squash Planting Dates

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Cucurbita moschata
Category vegetable
Type Vine
Days to Maturity 100 days
Starting Method Start Indoors

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

60" apart

🌱

Depth

1" deep

📏

Height

12-18"

🌱

Germination

5-10 days

Ready to Grow Butternut Squash?

Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.

🛒 Buy on Amazon 🌿 True Leaf Market

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🤝 Good Companions

CornBeanMarigoldNasturtium

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Potato

Butternut Squash Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Butternut Squash Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Butternut Squash? +

Start Butternut Squash seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

How long does Butternut Squash take to grow? +

Butternut Squash typically matures in about 100 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Butternut Squash indoors or direct sow? +

Butternut Squash should be started indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

How much sun does Butternut Squash need? +

Butternut Squash requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Butternut Squash? +

Space Butternut Squash plants 60 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Butternut Squash need? +

Butternut Squash has regular (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

About Butternut Squash

Sweet, versatile winter squash with tan skin and orange flesh. Harvest when stem is brown and skin resists puncture. Stores 3-6 months.

Expect your Butternut Squash to be ready for harvest in approximately 100 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.