Variety traits

Maturity group — Butternut squash

Cucurbita moschata Duchesne

The maturity group of butternut squash determines the length of the growing season from full germination to biological maturity, measured in calendar days.

In the reference 30 varieties crop Butternut squash, where this is mentioned in the description.

For butternut squash, there are three main maturity groups: early-maturing varieties ripen in 90–100 days, mid-season varieties in 100–115 days, and late-maturing varieties require 115–140 days or more. Determining fruit maturity in this species involves not only changes in color and rind hardness, but also a specific post-harvest ripening process, during which sugar accumulation occurs and flavor quality improves.

Selecting a maturity group is a key factor in adapting the crop to climatic conditions, as butternut squash is thermophilic. In regions with short summers, the cultivation of late-maturing forms is difficult, so using early-maturing varieties or the transplanting method minimizes risks associated with autumn frosts and ensures the preservation of the commercial quality of the fruits.

General information about the subject — on the page Maturity group.

Sources8

Varieties of Butternut squash mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.