Butternut Squash

Cucurbita moschata (koo-KER-bih-ta MOSS-kah-ta)

Family: Cucurbitaceae Unknown Vine (vertical)

Butternut squash is a warm-season annual vegetable vine in the Cucurbitaceae (cucumber) family that trails along the ground or climbs up structures using tendrils. Cucurbita is Latin for gourd and moschata is Latin for musky. Native to Central and South America, winter squash is an aggressive grower and prefers moderately moist soil with full access to sunlight. It has yellow fruit-bearing flowers that are produced during the summer and fruits maturing late summer to fall. The fruits have a mild flavor and can be fried, baked, added to pasta, used in soups, and more. They provide at least 50% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A per 1/2 cup serving at maturity. Butternut squash is best suited for large landscapes, but performs well in vegetable gardens, on trellises, and as a cover for exposed soil. It is easily sown from seed, especially when soils are warm. Transplant it in late spring, early summer, or after the last frost. Click here to see a calendar of planting schedules, time-to-harvest, and recommended spacing for uour edible garden. Insects, diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Slugs, aphids, and beetles can be problems. Home gardens will likely want to stay away from vigorous commercial varieties like 'Polaris' that produce huge vines – these take up a lot of space, but in commercial production, they are helpful for weed management. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Cucurbita .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 64 attributes.