About
'Cucurbita moschata 'Zucca Butternut Rugosa' is a traditional variety of butternut squash known for its elongated, cylindrical fruits that feature a tapered waist. The vines can extend up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) in length, trailing gracefully across the ground. The fruits are characterized by their textured, pale orange skin and can weigh up to 4 kilograms (approximately 9 pounds) at maturity. Harvest in the autumn when they are fully ripe; these squashes have excellent storage capabilities through the winter. Inside, the bright orange flesh offers a sweet, nutty flavor profile.
About the genus
This genus consists of small, annual herbaceous plants that either climb or trail. Several species within this group are cultivated for their edible fruits and other applications. They originate from Central and South America. The flowers are typically solitary and star-shaped, exhibiting a golden-yellow hue. The leaves are characterized by their palmately lobed structure and are adorned with fine, prickly hairs.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
- Toxicity
- Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, moisture retentive but well drained, acidic to neutral soil in full sun. Sow indoors March to May in good quality seed compost. Sow the seeds on their side 1cm deep and maintain a constant temperature of 18-21C. Feed regularly with a high potassium fertiliser when the first fruits start to swell. See cucurbit cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews