Organic buttercup squash 'Burgess Buttercup'

Organic 'Burgess Buttercup' buttercup squash (Cucurbita maxima) from the seed company Gaia, a uniform, sweet and melting heirloom variety

The Burgess Buttercup squash is a heirloom variety prized for its dark green skin , slightly turbaned shape, and especially its dense, sweet, string-free , golden-orange flesh . Selected for its uniformity , it produces consistent fruits weighing 3 to 5 lbs , perfect for fall cooking: roasts, purées, curries, soups, or pies. Its natural sugar content gives it a rich, chestnut-like flavor. A reliable choice in the garden for a flavorful and easy-to-store winter squash.

Companion plants : Corn, Climbing beans, Peas, Radishes, Sunflowers, Parsley, Celery, Buckwheat, Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Oregano
Nefarious plants : Tomato, Eggplant, Potato, Pepper

Spread/Habit : Vigorous trailing plant
Plant height : approximately 45 cm
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Uniform fruit weighing 3–5 lb, sweet, stringless golden flesh, reliable heirloom variety

Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Smooth, melting, rich, slightly sweet
Cold tolerance : Not tolerant

Farming method

Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for a maximum of 24 hours , then scarify to promote germination.
Start sowing indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost. Transplant outdoors in late May–early June , when the soil temperature reaches 25°C .
Sow at a depth of 2.5 cm (1″) .

Spacing: 38–45 cm between plants, 60–90 cm between rows.
Grow in full sun (level 3) with moderate watering (level 2).
Germination: 7 to 10 days at 21–35 °C (optimal 27–35 °C).
Maturity: 95 days .

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest when:
• The color is rich and uniform .
• The skin is tough and resistant to nailing,
• the stain on the floor turns cream/orange.

Leave 2″ of stem to limit rot.
Allow to mature in a dry, warm place, then store at 10–12 °C , 55–75% humidity , with good ventilation.

Usage ideas

• As a velvety purée or creamy soup
• Roasting to caramelize its sweetness
• As an autumn gratin or stuffed
• In a rich and fragrant pumpkin pie
• As a base for pancakes, breads or gnocchi

The Burgess Buttercup is a sweet, fine and generous winter squash, perfect for gardeners desiring a reliable, uniform and delicious heirloom cultivar.