Some questions on Butternut Squash?

16 years ago

I'm growing Butternut Squash for the first time and have a few questions; when do you determine the squash is ready to harvest? Once the squash turns tan in color, will it continue to increase in size? I have a very small tan squash that doesn't appear to be increasing in size. I also have a large one, but I thought you waited for the stem to turn brown and the squash to lose all of the green lines?

I sure could use the advice of some experienced growers of butternut on this forum. I love butternut squash and really want success with this vegetable. By-the-way, I'm having to hand pollinate the squash myself.

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Comments (7)

featherhoof
16 years ago
This year was my first, and I just harvested mine after they turned tan. I did not wait for the stem to die off. I'm hoping that the plant might decide to make more fruit. The plants are still very healthy. Mine did not grow any larger after it turned tan. They tasted good.
marymilkweed
Original Author
16 years ago
featherhoof - your beautiful picture of your squash harvest is what prompted my question. I was glad to hear they turned out to be tasty. I had read that the squash needed several days to sort of harden-off before eating. Did you eat them right after picking, or did you wait a few days? I believe I will test my little one with the thumbnail test and if it seems hard enough, go ahead and cut it from the vine, wait several days, and roast it. Thanks for your response, Mary
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whgille
16 years ago
Mary

When the squash is ready, it will break off the vine easily.

I grew Seminole pumpkins last year, and this year I am growing Delicata squash.

Winter squash and sweet potatoes need time to cure for at least a few days. They become sweeter this way. Otherwise they have a more starchy flavor. Some people prefer them this way.

You could do the test yourself. Eat one just picked, and other after 7 days of picking. I did that last year with the Seminole and I could taste the difference.

Silvia
marymilkweed
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you, Silvia, for your response. Both of my butternut squashs are undersize, the larger one weighing only 1 lb. But, I went ahead and cut them from the vine this morning and will let them rest for several days before roasting them. I have new green ones developing and wanted to let them have the plant's energy. I would be most interested in growing the Seminole pumpkins, can you please give me your source for the seeds? Thanks, Mary
linchat
16 years ago
Butternut squash... Mmmmm.... Squash......

I grew BS ( Not that kind of BS ) this year for the first time. After it turned tan, it still had green streaks running where the vine attaches. I left it on for a while longer. The vine had not turned brown and I could not stand it anymore.

I ate it. It was delicious. End of story. :)

Seriously, it was very good and appeared ripe. Looking forward to the fall to try again.
whgille
16 years ago
Mary

I have plenty of seminole seeds. They are so easy to grow, you will be giving pumpkins to all your friends!

Send me an email.

Silvia
featherhoof
16 years ago
mine cured about a week and a half before eating.