Buttercup Winter Squash

Grow the sweetest winter squash with Buttercup – a distinctive turban-shaped variety that produces dark green, 3-5 pound fruits with deep orange flesh and exceptional sweet, nutty flavor. These compact vines deliver superior eating quality perfect for baking, roasting, soups, and storing through winter for months of delicious meals.

Growing Information

• Days to maturity: 95-105 days from direct sowing
• Planting: Direct sow after last frost when soil temperature reaches 70°F; plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills of 3-4 seeds, 4-6 feet apart
• Spacing: Hills 4-6 feet apart; thin to 2-3 plants per hill
• Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
• Zones: 3-10 (warm-season annual)

Harvest & Use

Harvest when skin is hard and deep green with a distinctive button on the blossom end, typically before first frost. Cut with 2-3 inches of stem attached and cure in a warm, dry location for 10-14 days. The deep orange flesh is incredibly sweet and nutty – perfect for baking, roasting, soups, pies, and any recipe calling for winter squash. Each vine produces 3-5 squash. Store cured squash in a cool, dry location for 3-6 months, making these ideal for winter eating.

Care Tips

Buttercup squash thrives in warm weather and rich, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Water deeply and regularly – about 1-2 inches per week – especially during flowering and fruit development. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Side-dress with compost when vines begin to run. Vines can spread 6-10 feet, so provide ample space. Companion plant with corn, beans, or nasturtiums for traditional Three Sisters garden benefits.

Why Choose Buttercup

This exceptional variety offers superior sweetness, dry texture perfect for baking, and long storage life that makes it ideal for winter food security. The distinctive turban shape and button make these easy to identify, and the rich flavor surpasses most other winter squash. Whether you're baking, roasting, or making soup, Buttercup delivers outstanding quality and flavor that makes it a winter staple.