{"product_id":"waltham-butternut-squash","title":"Waltham Butternut Squash","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe butternut squash is thick, tan yellow in color and the flesh is orange color filled with some seeds. The Waltham butternut squash has a unique sweet flavor that makes it perfect for eating raw or cooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size grow bag is best for Butternut Squash?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e18 x 18 (W*H)\u003cbr\u003e24 x 24 (W*H)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eButternut Squash Growing Season In India\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaltham Butternut squash is a warm-season vegetable and the best season to sow the squash seeds is mid-spring to summer (February-April). Squash is commonly grown in warm climates as well as cool climates but butternut squash cannot tolerate very cold or extremely high temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenefits of Waltham Butternut Squash\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Rich in Nutrients : High in vitamin A, C, E, fiber, potassium and antioxidants.\u003cbr\u003e• Heart Health : Lowers blood pressure and supports heart health due to potassium and fiber.\u003cbr\u003e• Eye Health : High beta-carotene content supports good vision.\u003cbr\u003e• Weight-Friendly : Low in calories, high in fiber - ideal for healthy diets.\u003cbr\u003e• Long Storage Life : Once cured, butternut squash stores well for 3–6 months.\u003cbr\u003e• Versatile in Cooking : Can be roasted, pureed, made into soups or used in baking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSowing Method\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen to Sow :\u003cbr\u003e• Direct sow outdoors 1–2 weeks after the last frost when the soil is warm (≥65°F \/ 18°C).\u003cbr\u003e• In cooler climates, start indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost.\u003cbr\u003eHow to Sow :\u003cbr\u003e• Sow 1 inch deep, 2–3 seeds per hill (small mound), spaced 3–4 feet apart in rows that are 4–6 feet apart.\u003cbr\u003e• Thin to the strongest seedling per hill once germinated.\u003cbr\u003eGermination Time : 7–10 days, with warm soil (70–95°F \/ 21–35°C).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSunlight :\u003cbr\u003e• Requires full sun (6–8 hours per day minimum).\u003cbr\u003eSoil :\u003cbr\u003e• Prefers rich, well-drained loamy soil, enriched with compost or aged manure.\u003cbr\u003eWatering :\u003cbr\u003e• Water deeply once or twice per week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.\u003cbr\u003e• Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.\u003cbr\u003eSupport (Optional) :\u003cbr\u003e• Can be grown on sturdy trellises to save space, but fruits need slings to support their weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen to Harvest :\u003cbr\u003e• 85–100 days after sowing, or when:\u003cbr\u003e• Skin turns uniform tan\u003cbr\u003e• Skin is hard and resistant to scratching\u003cbr\u003e• Stem begins to dry and shrivel\u003cbr\u003eHow to Harvest :\u003cbr\u003e• Cut fruit with 1–2 inches of stem remaining (prevents rot).\u003cbr\u003e• Cure squash in a warm, dry place (about 80°F \/ 27°C) for 10–14 days to harden the skin and improve flavor.\u003cbr\u003eStorage :\u003cbr\u003e• Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Properly cured, it can last up to 6 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Problems and Solutions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProblem : Wilting Leaves \u003cbr\u003eCause : Overwatering or vine borer damage\u003cbr\u003eSolution : Check for pests at base; improve drainage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProblem : Fruit Not Setting\u003cbr\u003eCause : Poor pollination\u003cbr\u003eSolution : Hand-pollinate flowers using a brush or attract bees\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProblem : Blossom End Rot \u003cbr\u003eCause : Calcium deficiency or irregular watering\u003cbr\u003eSolution : Maintain consistent moisture; add calcium if needed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProblem : Aphids\u003cbr\u003eCause : Sap-sucking pests on leaves\u003cbr\u003eSolution : Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProblem : Squash Vine Borer\u003cbr\u003eCause : Larvae boring into vines \u003cbr\u003eSolution : Cover stems with soil, use row covers, remove larvae if found\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProblem : Powdery Mildew\u003cbr\u003eCause : Fungal disease in humid conditions\u003cbr\u003eSolution : Use fungicide or neem oil; improve air circulation\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Hobbit Land","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43953616191522,"sku":"HOBVS023WBS","price":199.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0730\/7155\/8690\/files\/WalthamButternutSquash.jpg?v=1752043748","url":"https:\/\/www.thehobbitland.in\/products\/waltham-butternut-squash","provider":"The Hobbit Land","version":"1.0","type":"link"}