"Honeynut" Winter Squash

Cucurbita moschata

This deliciously sweet and cute mini butternut squash is a cross between a butternut type (C. moschata) and kabocha type (C. Maxima) bred at Cornell University. Honeynut has the sweet and nutty flesh of its kabocha parentage combined with the excellent powdery mildew resistance and storage capability associated with butternuts. This is a long season variety so be sure to get an early start on planting. Fruits can be harvested a bit early if frost threatens before they are fully ripe. They continue to ripen and cure very well off of the vine. Enjoy the best of both squash worlds with this adorable autumnal delight!

Growing Instructions:

Sow indoors 2 to 3 weeks before setting out after last frost or direct seed after last frost. 

Set plants/seeds 24" apart.

Space rows 5 to 6 feet apart

Amend soil with good compost. We also recommend a fall or spring cover crop of peas or another annual legume to fix nitrogen for the squash plants.

Mulch with leaves, or whatever you have available, to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Make sure soil pH is between 5.8 and 7.0. If plant needs a growing boost ,water with nitrogen tea or compost tea a few times. If trace minerals are inadequate, sprinkle a small amount of woodash in each planting hole.

Harvest Instructions:

Harvest when plants begin to die back or before the first killing frost. Frost negativity impacts storability of squash. Fruit will be just beginning to blush from green to tan. Honeynut will finish curing in storage in a green house. Immature green fruits will fully ripen in appropriate storage