R.O.C.K.-Roots Of Care and Kindness Mutual Aid Group

• Plant Info:

Botanical name: Cucurbita moschata

Honeynut squash is a hybrid winter squash that produces uniform 4-5 inch mini-butternut squashes. Both the mature squash and the flowers are edible. 

These seeds should be planted in full sun, once the soil warms in mid-March. Optionally soak the seeds in room temperature water for 6 hours to encourage more seeds to sprout.

Growers heavily benefit from using a trellis with honeynut squash, as the vines will grow 4-6 feet long at full maturity. It is recommended to use balanced fertilizer when planting. Nitrogen-rich fertilizer is optional during vine production, but stopped after flowers grow. Potassium or phosphorous-rich fertilizer is an optional support that increases fruit production. Mulch is optional but beneficial.  

• How to Plant:

Mix a balanced fertilizer into the soil where you plan to sow the squash. Then, make a small mound that is 12 inches by 12 inches, and sow 2-3 seeds 1 inch deep. Water well.  

• After Planting:

The seeds will germinate in 5-10 days, depending on soil temperature. If multiple seeds sprout from one mound, pick the strongest sprout, and cull all the others by snipping off their stems at the soil line. 

As the seedling grows and matures, watering depends on the weather. During mild weather, this plant prefers infrequent but deep waterings, such as watering twice a week with a deep, thorough soaking. During the summer heat, or if the plant is showing signs of stress, seedlings can be watered as frequently as daily. 

If desired, apply a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer to the soil every 2-3 weeks. Once blooms develop, switch to a potassium or phosphorous-rich fertilizer instead.

• Harvest Time:

Squash plants should reach their first harvest 100 days after planting. As the skin on a squash changes from green to a deep, rich honey-orange, monitor the squash. 

Harvest a squash when there is almost no green left on it and when the rind/skin is hard to the touch. Harvest using garden shears or kitchen scissors to avoid damaging the plant.  

• Post Harvest:

Honeynut squash can be cooked immediately after harvesting. But some growers choose to optionally cure honeynut squash. This process improves the ability to store this squash long-term, and also improves its flavor.

To cure honeynut squash, place the freshly harvested squash in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place for 10-14 days. This will harden the skin and concentrate the sugars inside the squash. Once cured, it can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.