Days to Maturity: 110
Comparable to Butternut Supreme, Big Chief, a winter butternut squash, is grown as a fruit vegetable, producing large fruit, weighing 4 to 5 pounds, with golden orange flesh having a mild, sweet flavor. A good source of vitamin A.
This herbaceous annual is a member of the cucurbit (Cucurbitaceae) family. It grows vigorously as a creeping vine that trails along the ground or climbs by tendrils. Easily grown from seed, it prefers full sun and fertile, organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained loams with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. It is resistant to powdery mildew.
A warm-season vegetable, sensitive to cold temperatures and frost, it can be direct sown into warm spring soil after all danger of frost has passed, but it can also be started indoors about 3 weeks before transplanting. Flowers begin to set fruit with day temperatures between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect plants if temperatures are expected to dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Mulching helps to moderate soil temperature and to maintain soil moisture. Row covers offer added protection from heavy frost.
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
