Cucurbita pepo
SPACE REQUIRED: At least 100cm x 100cm.
DISTANCE APART: 100cm
WHEN TO HARVEST: Butternuts will show that they are ready to harvest when the stalk near the pumpkin withers and almost breaks. It could take around two months from planting.
HOW MUCH WATER: Water every day unless it rains.
WHERE TO PLANT: Full sun
CAN I GROW THEM IN A POT? Yes, but it needs to be very large such as a barrel or an old bath! Fill it full of premium potting mix. Plant the seedlings and then water. Make sure there is room for the vine to spill over the sides.
CAN I GROW THEM IN A GARDEN BED? Yes. The garden bed must get at least 6 hours of sun every day. Mix some compost or animal manure into the soil and then build mounds that are about 100cm across and 30cm high. Water the mound lightly then plant the seedlings. Spread some mulch such as pea straw or lucerne hay over the soil and water the area well.
BEST BUDDY PLANTS: Corn and pumpkin are best buddies! Plant the corn in amongst the pumpkin vines where its roots will be shaded by the large leaves of the vines.
OTHER ‘SMARTY PLANT’ TIPS:
- When you get your seedlings home, let them sit in a shallow tray of water which has had a tablespoon of seaweed solution added for an hour or two. This will get them ready for transplanting.
- After planting, water the seedlings with a very soft hose or a watering can several times a day until they settle in.
- Don’t fertilise too early. Wait until the flowers start to appear and then sprinkle on a granular fertiliser especially for fruit and vegetables.
There’s more information at the Smarty Plants website.