{"product_id":"waltham-butternut-squash","title":"Waltham Butternut Squash","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"439\" data-end=\"933\" class=\"\"\u003eWaltham Butternut is the standard for winter squash—an heirloom variety prized for its rich, nutty flavour and smooth-textured orange flesh. Fruits grow on sprawling vines and develop a classic bell shape with pale tan skin and small seed cavities, maximising usable flesh. This variety is known for its storage capability, keeping well into the winter months if cured properly. An excellent multipurpose squash for baking, soups, mashes, and even desserts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"935\" data-end=\"1194\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"935\" data-end=\"983\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Waltham Butternut Squash?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"986\"\u003eThis heat-loving crop thrives in Zones 3–9 with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Ideal for large garden plots or dedicated squash beds. Avoid planting near other squash to maintain varietal integrity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1499\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1227\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1227\" data-end=\"1230\"\u003eDeveloped in the 1940s in Waltham, Massachusetts, this variety quickly became a favourite in home and market gardens across North America. A staple winter storage vegetable, butternut squash has long been appreciated for its sweet, nutty taste and culinary versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1501\" data-end=\"1824\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1501\" data-end=\"1530\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1530\" data-end=\"1533\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1533\" data-end=\"1547\"\u003eZones 8–9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow after last frost in fertile, warm soil; harvest in late summer to early autumn.\u003cbr data-start=\"1638\" data-end=\"1641\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1641\" data-end=\"1655\"\u003eZones 5–7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost; transplant after risk of frost.\u003cbr data-start=\"1730\" data-end=\"1733\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1733\" data-end=\"1747\"\u003eZones 3–4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use transplants or cold-frame protection in early season for a full harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1501\" data-end=\"1824\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1826\" data-end=\"2251\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1826\" data-end=\"1878\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Waltham Butternut Squash\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1878\" data-end=\"1881\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1881\" data-end=\"1894\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow 2.5cm (1in) deep in hills or rows, spaced 1.2–1.8m (4–6ft) apart.\u003cbr data-start=\"1964\" data-end=\"1967\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1967\" data-end=\"1980\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruit set.\u003cbr data-start=\"2053\" data-end=\"2056\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2056\" data-end=\"2071\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick when skin is hard and colour deepens; cure in a warm, dry place for 1–2 weeks.\u003cbr data-start=\"2155\" data-end=\"2158\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2158\" data-end=\"2174\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds; give vines room to spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2253\" data-end=\"2554\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2253\" data-end=\"2291\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2291\" data-end=\"2294\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2294\" data-end=\"2318\"\u003eSelect Mature Fruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow squash to fully ripen on the vine.\u003cbr data-start=\"2359\" data-end=\"2362\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2362\" data-end=\"2380\"\u003eExtract Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scoop seeds, rinse, and remove pulp.\u003cbr data-start=\"2417\" data-end=\"2420\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2420\" data-end=\"2439\"\u003eDry Thoroughly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spread seeds on a screen or tray until dry.\u003cbr data-start=\"2483\" data-end=\"2486\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2486\" data-end=\"2496\"\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep in a cool, dark, dry location; viable for 4–6 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2556\" data-end=\"2635\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2556\" data-end=\"2580\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2580\" data-end=\"2583\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2635\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cucurbita moschata","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41897786835057,"sku":"MF-SQUASH-009","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/waltham_butternut_squash_cover.jpg?v=1792102310","url":"https:\/\/metchosinfarm.ca\/products\/waltham-butternut-squash","provider":"Metchosin Farm","version":"1.0","type":"link"}