Butternut Squash 'Hunter' F1 Seeds

Overview

The 'Hunter F1' is an early maturing Butternut Squash which has been specifically developed over the last 10 years to suit the UK climate. It is very hardy producing strong plants that will give 6 - 7 squashes.

The fruit are light tan in colour with sweet, bright orange flesh, they have an excellent flavour and store very well. It matures up to 4 weeks earlier than other varieties, but has a more compact open habit with slightly smaller fruit. A real winner especially for those of us 'up North' where squash growing had seemed a dream!

Click here for more information

Seed qty (approx)	10
Sowing months	April, May, June
Site conditions	Well drained & humus rich soil. A sheltered sunny spot out of way of strong winds which causes damage to the large leaves.
How to sow	Indoors: April to May. Sow seeds vertically 1cm deep in a pot or tray of moist seed compost. Place in propagator/cover with glass, polythene bag until the seedlings appear (5-8 days). When the seedlings have 2/3 leaves transplant them into 2l pots and grow on for a few more weeks. Harden them off by putting outside during the day for 3/4 days. Plant out in mid - late May when the chance of frost has passed spacing every 50cm in rows 50cm apart. Incorporate plenty of organic matter to feed the plant and help retain water. Keep well watered. Can also be left to grow in a greenhouse soil provided it is very fertile and they are kept moist. Outdoors: Early June. Squashes are hungry feeders so to give them a good start outside, dig a hole 30cm square and fill with well rotted manure and cloche the area a week before direct sowing. Mound up soil and plant 2 seeds, 2.5cm deep, every 50cm in rows 50cm apart. into the mound and cloche again until the seedlings grow. Remove the weaker seedling, and remove cloche a couple of weeks later. Seed will not germinate until the temperature is consistently above 13°C. Keep well watered.
Care	As they are hungry feeders, feed them every 14 days with a potash rich fertiliser. Keep well watered but try not to wet the fruit.
Harvest	September to October. Pick any remaining fruits before the first frosts. These can be stored in frost free conditions and can last to Christmas and beyond.
Information	F1 Hybrid Variety

Email to a Friend