Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash: Sweet, Reliable, and Storage-Friendly

Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash is a beloved heirloom variety prized for its rich, sweet flavor and dependable performance in the garden. With its distinctive dark green skin and characteristic turban-like crown, this squash is as beautiful as it is delicious. It's an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a winter squash that stores well and delivers consistent, high-quality harvests.

Getting Started: Planting Burgess Buttercup

Plant seeds directly into the garden after the last frost date, when soil temperatures reach 70°F or higher. These vigorous vining plants need ample space—allow 5 to 6 feet between plants to accommodate their sprawling growth. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil enriched with compost or aged manure. Full sun exposure is essential for optimal fruit development and sweetness.

Water deeply and consistently, providing 1 to 2 inches per week. Water at the base of plants to keep foliage dry and minimize disease risk. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature throughout the growing season.

Growing Strong and Healthy Plants

Burgess Buttercup plants are generally hardy and relatively pest-resistant. Still, monitor for squash bugs and beetles, removing them by hand when spotted. Fertilize every 3 to 4 weeks with a balanced formula, then switch to a potassium-rich fertilizer once flowering begins to support fruit development and enhance sweetness.

As fruits develop, they may benefit from gentle support using soft slings or cradling to prevent damage from their own weight. This is especially helpful in smaller gardens where space is limited.

Harvesting and Curing

Burgess Buttercup typically matures in 75 to 85 days. Harvest when the skin is deeply colored and completely hardened—it should resist puncturing with a fingernail. Cut the squash from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving 2 to 3 inches of stem attached. Cure harvested squash in a warm, dry location for 10 to 14 days to harden the skin and prepare it for storage.

Properly cured Burgess Buttercup squash stores exceptionally well for 3 to 5 months in a cool, dry place, making it perfect for enjoying throughout fall and winter.

In the Kitchen

The dense, golden flesh of Burgess Buttercup is renowned for its sweet, buttery flavor—hence the name. It's ideal for roasting, pureeing into soups, or baking into pies and other desserts. The flesh is also excellent for side dishes and can be mashed like sweet potatoes. Its natural sweetness means you'll need less added sugar in recipes, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for your table.

• Cucurbita maxima. 
  
  
• Plant produces heavy yields of 8" long turban shaped green squash with silvery white stripes.
  
  
• The yellow orange flesh is very sweet and grows 3 to 5 lbs.
  
  
• The Burgess strain stores well.
  
  
• A winter squash variety.
  
  
• Day to Maturity | up to 90 days