Organic Buttercup Squash

Common name Buttercup Winter Squash
Latin name Cucurbita maxima 'Buttercup'
Quantity per packet About 25 seeds

This winter squash produces rich, sweet flesh ideal for comforting seasonal recipes while offering outstanding natural storage without complicated preservation methods.

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Product information
Product
identification
Common nameButtercup Winter Squash
Latin nameCucurbita maxima 'Buttercup'
FamilyCucurbitaceae
TypeVegetable
CycleAnnual
Quantity per packAbout 25 seeds
Code produitBIOVO-0033
Product
description

Organic Buttercup Squash (Cucurbita maxima ‘Buttercup’) is a winter squash prized for its compact dark green fruits, dense sweet flesh, and rich, nutty flavor. This vigorous annual plant develops long trailing vines that quickly cover the soil and create a generous food-producing presence in the vegetable garden. In summer, its large yellow flowers attract bees, bumblebees, and other pollinators, which are essential for well-developed fruit. Harvested at full maturity, when the rind is hard and the stem is dry, it offers excellent culinary quality and very good winter storage.

This squash grows best in full sun and deep, cool, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Direct sow from May through June once the soil has thoroughly warmed and all danger of frost has passed. It needs plenty of space for its trailing vines to develop properly. Deep, regular watering supports even fruit growth, while mulch helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds. A generous application of compost or well-rotted manure encourages abundant, flavorful harvests.

Ideal for large vegetable gardens, food gardens, and self-sufficiency projects, Organic Buttercup Squash extends the harvest well beyond the growing season. Its velvety, sweet flesh is excellent in soups, purées, gratins, roasted dishes, stuffed recipes, desserts, and comforting autumn meals. After a short curing period, the fruits store for several months in a cool, dry location. Its abundant flowering supports pollinators, while its lush foliage covers the soil and contributes to a lively, productive, generous garden.

Sowing
guide
Sowing periodMay to June, direct sowing
Best time
May to June
Sowing depth2.5 cm (1 in)
Germination temperature21 to 30 °C (70 to 86 °F)
Germination time7 to 14 days
Propagation
Propagated by seed. Seeds may be collected from fully mature fruits when proper isolation distances are maintained.
Growing
method
Direct sow once the soil has thoroughly warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Plant the seeds about 2.5 cm (1 in) deep in rich, cool, well-drained soil. Choose a full-sun location to encourage vigorous growth and excellent fruit production. Water regularly without overwatering and apply mulch to conserve soil moisture. The long trailing vines require generous growing space. Harvest fruits at full maturity once the rind becomes hard and the stem begins to dry.
Soil
and care
ExposureFull sun
Soil
This variety prefers rich, cool, deep, well-drained soil high in organic matter. Fertile soil promotes vigorous growth and exceptional fruit quality.
Soil pHSlightly acidic to neutral
Watering
Winter squash requires deep, regular watering to maintain even growth. Insufficient moisture can reduce fruit size and overall quality.
Fertilization
Buttercup Squash thrives in very fertile soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. A balanced organic fertilizer encourages vigorous growth and abundant fruit production.
Care levelModerate
Water regularly during dry periods to support fruit development. Add compost early in the season to maintain soil fertility. Apply generous mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for foliar diseases and maintain good air circulation around the vines. Harvest fruits before the first hard autumn frosts.
Container
growing
Recommended pot size
60 to 80 cm (24 to 32 in)
Buttercup Winter Squash can be grown in a very large container, but it performs best in spacious vegetable gardens. Use a deep container filled with compost-rich growing mix and water consistently throughout the season. Its long trailing vines require plenty of room to develop properly. Container growing is possible for urban gardeners with a very sunny location.
Bloom,
harvest
and garden
This variety produces thick, sweet, premium-quality flesh with outstanding culinary value. Its exceptional storage life allows you to enjoy homegrown squash long after the harvest season.
This winter squash produces rich, sweet flesh ideal for comforting seasonal recipes while offering outstanding natural storage without complicated preservation methods.
Garden use
Buttercup Winter Squash is ideal for large vegetable gardens, food gardens, and self-sufficiency projects. Its abundant flowers attract pollinators while its long-storing fruits extend the harvest well beyond the gardening season. Its vigorous vines also provide excellent ground cover in spacious gardens.
Bloom period
Large yellow flowers bloom throughout summer and attract abundant pollinators. Good pollination is essential for producing well-developed fruits.
Flower colorYellow
Foliage colorGreen
Harvest
Harvest fruits about 90 days after sowing once the rind is hard and the color is fully developed. After a short curing period, they store for several months in a cool, dry place.
Fruiting
Long-storage fruits with dense, sweet flesh
Wildlife appealBees and pollinators
Size
and facts
Height30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)
Spread90 cm (36 in)
Growth rateVigorous
Minimum temperature10°C (50°F)
Foliage typeDeciduous
Papillonstrue
Planting
partners
Good companions
Beetroot, celery, onion, potato, thyme
Avoid planting with
Fennel
Recipe
and inspiration
Buttercup Winter Squash is prized for its dense, sweet, richly flavored flesh. It is excellent in soups, purées, gratins, roasted dishes, and comforting autumn recipes. Its velvety texture is also perfect for pies, muffins, stuffed squash, and baked desserts. The fruits store for several months after harvest, making them an outstanding winter storage vegetable.
Frequently asked questions
This variety is renowned for its exceptionally sweet, dense flesh and outstanding flavor. It is considered one of the finest winter squash varieties for cooking and long-term storage.
Fruits are generally ready about 90 days after sowing. Harvest when the rind is hard and the stem begins to dry naturally.
Yes. This variety has excellent storage qualities and, under proper conditions, can be kept for several months after harvest.
It is delicious roasted, mashed, in soups, gratins, or stuffed. Its rich, creamy flesh is perfect for a wide range of autumn and winter recipes.
Yes. These certified organic, open-pollinated seeds allow gardeners to grow sustainably and save seed when proper isolation practices are followed.
The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.