Pumpkin, ‘Waltham Butternut’ (Cucurbita moschata)

This 1970 All-America Selections winner originally from Massachusetts is still one of the most widely grown full-size open pollinated butternuts and with good reason. These are larger fruits with small seed cavities and thick, straight, cylindrical necks. Flesh has smooth texture and sweet flavor, particularly after a few months of storage. 105 days to maturity.

When to sow: November
Where to sow: Direct sow
Depth to sow: 2cm
Aspect:  Full sun or as sunny a spot as possible.
Soil:  Prepared, well drained, fertilised soil. Add   lime if soil is too acid.
Spacing:  Between plants: 60cm; Between rows: 180cm
      

Directions:  Plant 2 seeds per station after the danger of frost is over. October in warm districts, mid-November in cold ones. Thin to one seedling after germination. All pumpkins taste better if allowed to cure for a month or so after picking. Store them in the house lying on their sides in a dry place where the temperature rarely gets below 14C.