Top 20 Varieties of Butternut Squash to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Butternut squash is a beloved winter squash known for its sweet, nutty flavor and smooth, creamy texture. It’s versatile in the kitchen, perfect for roasting, soups, or even baking into desserts. Butternut squash is easy to grow, storing well for long periods after harvesting, making it a favorite for home gardeners. With a variety of cultivars available, you can choose from traditional large types to smaller, compact varieties ideal for small spaces. Here’s your guide to the top 20 varieties of butternut squash to grow, with tips, advice, and answers to common questions to help you achieve a bountiful harvest.

Top 20 Butternut Squash Varieties to Grow

1. Waltham Butternut

Tips: Waltham prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Facts: This classic heirloom variety is known for its large, sweet fruits and excellent storage ability. It matures in about 85-100 days and is perfect for soups, roasting, or pureeing.

2. Early Butternut

Tips: Early Butternut grows well in full sun and fertile soil. Water consistently to promote even growth.
Facts: As its name suggests, this variety matures early, producing sweet, orange flesh in about 75-85 days. It’s perfect for shorter growing seasons.

3. Butterscotch

Tips: Butterscotch prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Provide ample water, especially during fruit development.
Facts: This small butternut variety has a rich, sweet flavor and smooth texture. It matures in about 90 days and is ideal for smaller gardens or container growing.

4. Honeybaby

Tips: Honeybaby thrives in full sun and fertile soil. Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: This compact variety produces small, sweet fruits that mature in 85-90 days. It’s perfect for container gardening or small spaces.

5. Tiana

Tips: Tiana grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently for healthy, vigorous growth.
Facts: Tiana produces medium-sized, sweet fruits with deep orange flesh, maturing in about 90-95 days. It stores well and is perfect for roasting or making soups.

6. Avalon

Tips: Avalon prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to promote even fruit development.
Facts: This hybrid variety is known for its large, uniform fruits and sweet, nutty flavor. It matures in about 85-95 days and is great for roasting or baking.

7. Metro PMR

Tips: Metro PMR grows well in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during fruit set.
Facts: This disease-resistant variety produces medium-sized fruits with a rich, sweet flavor. It matures in about 90-95 days and is perfect for fall harvests.

8. Ponca

Tips: Ponca prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Provide consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Facts: This small butternut variety matures early, producing sweet, flavorful fruits in about 80-85 days. It’s ideal for small gardens or containers.

9. Tromboncino

Tips: Tromboncino grows best in full sun with plenty of space to vine out. Provide support for vertical growth.
Facts: This unique variety produces long, curved fruits with a mild, nutty flavor. It can be harvested young as a summer squash or left to mature for winter storage.

10. Butterbush

Tips: Butterbush thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during fruiting.
Facts: This compact, bush variety is perfect for small spaces or container gardens. It produces small, sweet fruits that mature in about 90 days.

11. Victory

Tips: Victory prefers full sun and fertile soil. Provide consistent watering throughout the growing season.
Facts: This variety produces uniform, sweet butternut squash that matures in about 95 days. It’s great for storing and perfect for soups and roasting.

12. Atlas F1

Tips: Atlas F1 grows well in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to promote healthy fruit development.
Facts: Known for its large fruits and vigorous growth, Atlas F1 matures in about 100 days. It has a sweet, nutty flavor and stores well for winter use.

13. Argonaut

Tips: Argonaut thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: This variety produces extra-large fruits with deep orange flesh, maturing in about 100-110 days. It’s perfect for long-term storage and large batch cooking.

14. Polaris

Tips: Polaris prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Provide consistent moisture for optimal fruit production.
Facts: Polaris produces medium-sized, uniform fruits with a sweet, nutty flavor. It matures in about 90-95 days and is great for roasting or making purees.

15. Butterfly

Tips: Butterfly grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces medium-sized, sweet fruits that mature in about 85-90 days. It’s perfect for roasting, soups, and baking.

16. Betternut 900

Tips: Betternut 900 prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during fruit set.
Facts: This disease-resistant variety produces uniform, medium-sized fruits with a rich, sweet flavor. It matures in about 90-95 days and stores well for long-term use.

17. Tahiti

Tips: Tahiti grows well in full sun and rich soil. Water consistently for healthy, large fruit development.
Facts: Tahiti produces large, elongated fruits with a rich, sweet flavor. It matures in about 100-110 days and is perfect for roasting, baking, and soups.

18. Windsor

Tips: Windsor prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Provide regular watering to encourage healthy fruit growth.
Facts: This variety produces large, uniform fruits with a sweet, nutty flavor. It matures in about 90-100 days and is perfect for long-term storage.

19. Nutterbutter

Tips: Nutterbutter thrives in full sun and fertile soil. Water consistently for even growth and large fruit size.
Facts: This variety produces small to medium-sized fruits with a rich, buttery flavor. It matures in about 85-90 days and is ideal for roasting and baking.

20. Butterkin

Tips: Butterkin grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: A cross between butternut and pumpkin, Butterkin produces sweet, flavorful fruits that are perfect for pies and roasting. It matures in about 100 days.

Common Questions About Growing Butternut Squash

Q: When should I plant butternut squash?
A: Butternut squash should be planted in late spring, after the last frost, when the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (16°C). It’s a warm-season crop that requires long growing periods, so planting as early as possible is important.

Q: Can I grow butternut squash in containers?
A: Yes, smaller varieties like ‘Honeybaby’ or ‘Butterbush’ can be grown in containers. Use a large pot, at least 12-18 inches deep and wide, with good drainage, and place it in a sunny location.

Q: How long does butternut squash take to grow?
A: Butternut squash typically takes 85-110 days to mature, depending on the variety. Early varieties may be ready in as little as 75 days, while larger varieties can take up to 120 days to fully ripen.

Q: How do I know when butternut squash is ready to harvest?
A: Butternut squash is ready to harvest when the skin turns a deep, tan color and is hard to the touch. The stem should also be dry and brown. Use a sharp knife to cut the squash from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached.

Q: How do I store harvested butternut squash?
A: After harvesting, cure the squash by leaving it in a warm, dry place for 10-14 days. Once cured, store the squash in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or garage, where it can last for up to 6 months.