Winter Squash Seeds,
Honeynut Butternut

4.434 ReviewsSKU #SQ191 · 20 seeds
Price
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Description

(Cucurbita moschata). A mini butternut squash with a gourmet pedigree, widely regarded as one of the best-tasting squash of all time! This squash reaches just 4 to 5 inches long, making a single serving size and quicker to roast whole! Bred by renowned vegetable breeder Michael Mazourek of Cornell. Sugar sweet taste and such deep orange flesh. A sweet treat that is easy to grow!

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita moschata
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
100
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Honeynut Butternut squash after the last frost in spring when soil temperatures are consistently above 60 F. In cooler climates, you can start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outside once temperatures warm up. This squash generally takes around 100 days to mature, so plan accordingly so that it could be harvested before the first frost. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds directly into the garden in small mounds, planting them about 1/2-1 inch deep. Space the mounds about 3 feet apart to give the vines plenty of room to spread. If transplanting seedlings, ensure they are spaced similarly, and water them well after planting. Plants should be spaced 18-36 inches apart.

How to Grow

Honeynut squash requires regular, deep watering—about 1-2 inches per week, depending on weather conditions. Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Use a balanced fertilizer, high in phosphorus, to support fruit development as the plants grow. Prune excess vines to focus energy on fewer fruits for better flavor.

How to Save Seeds

  • There are four different species of squash: Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata, and C. mixta. They will not cross pollinate with each other, so it is possible to grow one of each species for seed saving without worrying about cross pollination.
  • If you are planning to grow several varieties of more than one species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.
  • Whether it is a summer or winter squash, you must let the fruit completely mature before extracting the seeds, and cure for at least two weeks.
  • Scoop the seeds, place them in a bucket, and add just enough water to cover. Let sit at room temperature to ferment for two days before rinsing off the pulp.
  • Lay seeds out to dry on newspaper or paper plates.
  • Stored in a cool, dry place, seeds will remain viable for up to four years.

FAQ

When is the best time to harvest Honeynut Butternut squash?

Harvest when the skin turns a deep tan color and the stem begins to dry out. The skin should be hard and resistant to puncture. Use pruning shears to cut the squash from the vine, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.

How long can Honeynut Butternut squash be stored?

Honeynut squash can be stored for 1-3 months in a cool, dry place. Ensure they are cured properly after harvesting by letting them sit in a warm, dry area for about a week. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator as this can lead to quicker spoilage.

What pests should I watch out for when growing Honeynut Butternut squash?

Common pests include squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids. These pests can damage the plant by feeding on its leaves, stems, and fruit. To protect your plants, regularly inspect them and use organic methods like neem oil or introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and tachinid flies.

Browse our full range of winter squash seeds.

Customer reviews

4.4 / 5 34 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Sweet, rich flavor: Sweeter and richer than a standard butternut; great roasted.

  • Single-serving size: Small squash, about 5 inches, just right for one or two.

  • Shrugs off pests: Often untouched by vine borers and squash bugs.

  • Needs heat and space: Takes off once it is warm; give vines room or a trellis.

  • Heads up: Yields vary and ripening is slow; wait for full orange color.

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