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How to Grow & Care for Butternut Squash

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published February 9, 2025

Butternut squash, scientifically known as Cucurbita moschata, is a type of winter squash that grows on vines. This nutritious vegetable is known for its oblong, hourglass shape and its tender, vibrant orange flesh. Here is a guide on how to grow butternut squash.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

How Do Butternut Squash Grow

Butternut squash plants are extremely tender. The seeds only germinate in warm soil and the seedlings require consistent sunlight. The vines grow quickly but the fruits have a long growing season of about three to four months from the time of planting.

How to Grow Butternut Squash From Seed

Butternut squash can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Direct seeding in the garden is preferred but indoor cultivation is helpful if you live in a region with short summers.

Growing Butternut Squash Indoors

Grow your plant indoors by following these steps:

  • Fill a garden pot with about 3 inches of well-draining soil and plant two seeds in each pot. Place the pot near a sunny window and provide at least 1 inch of water per week.
  • If both seeds in the pot germinate, select the sturdiest one to keep and pinch out the other.
  • As the seedlings sprout two sets of true leaves, place the pots outside in the partial sun for a few hours daily.
  • Bring the plants inside again at night. Slowly increase the number of hours they spend out in the sun. This will help them acclimatize to the outdoor environment.
  • Once the temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit, plant the seedlings in the ground.

How to Grow Butternut Squash Outdoors

If you live in a region with long summers, you can directly plant your butternut squash outdoors. Follow these steps:

  • Like other vining vegetables, butternut squash is often grown on mounds or raised beds to improve drainage and allow the vines to spread.
  • With the help of a shovel, start loosening the soil in the area where you want to sow the seeds.
  • Gather the soil in the center of the area, eventually forming a mound about 6 to 12 inches high. Aim to provide enough space for the plants to grow and spread.
  • Plant three to four seeds about 36 inches apart in rows spaced 6 feet apart.
  • Regularly water the seeds and ensure the soil is always moist.

Caring For Butternut Squash

A butternut squash vine can yield a significant number of fruits by following these care instructions:

Soil

The plant needs well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. During the growing season, add organic compost or manure to the top layer of soil to provide the necessary nutrients.

Fertilizer

Fertilize the plant with compost tea or liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks. Butternut squash is a heavy feeder and needs supplement nutrients during the growing season.

Caution

Always wear gloves and safety goggles when handling fertilizer. Read and follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.

Sunlight

Butternut Squash needs full sun at least 6 hours a day. If growing indoors, keep them near a sunny window. In summer, it is normal for the plants to overheat and wilt during the day, only to revive when the sun goes down.

Temperature

Butternuts are susceptible to cold and will only germinate in warm soil. For proper germination, the soil temperature should be between 65 degrees and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Water

As the plant grows, it will require more water each week. Butternut squash plants need at least 1 inch of water every week. Seeding must always be kept moist but not soggy. If the plant leaves are wilted in the morning, water them immediately and try giving them some afternoon shade.

Common Pests and Problems

Butternut squash is vulnerable to aphids, beetles, powdery mildew and squash bugs. You can plant resistant squash varieties such as royal acorn and sweet cheese to combat this. If the infestation is too severe, remove the infected plants to prevent the spread to other healthy plants.

Beetles can be removed by hand and placed in a bucket of soapy water. Additionally, proper spacing and thinning of the plants help improve airflow, reducing the spread of disease.

How to Harvest Butternut Squash

Butternut squash should be harvested when the color is dull gold with no green streaks. A sign of readiness is gently pressing a fingernail to the fruit's skin. If there is no mark, it means that the squash is ready to be harvested.

With the help of a garden knife, cut the fruit from the vine. Cure it in a dark, warm room for one to two weeks before storing.

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