Squash - Honeynut

Minimum Seed Count: 10

Meet the Honeynut Squash – a sweeter, richer, mini version of the classic butternut. All the excellent qualities of a butternut squash are added and amplified! These little powerhouses ripen to a glowing honey-orange and bring gourmet flavor straight from the garden to your plate. 🍯✨

Large plants, heavy yields, and a flavor that chefs rave about!

🌱 Planting Guide

1. When to Plant

• Direct sowing: After danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C).

• Indoor starts: Begin seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost date, then transplant once seedlings have 2–3 true leaves.

2. Soil Preparation

• Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter.

• pH: Prefers 6.0–6.8.

• Amendments: Work in compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Honeynuts are heavy feeders, so rich soil gives best yields.

3. Spacing & Layout

• Mounds/Hills: Plant 2–3 seeds per hill, thinning to the strongest seedling.

• Spacing:

  • In hills: Space hills 3–4 ft apart in rows 5–6 ft apart.

  • On trellis: Place plants 2–3 ft apart, allowing vines to climb.

• Honeynut vines are more compact than standard butternuts, but still need room to sprawl.

4. Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist, about 1–1.5 inches per week.

• Avoid wetting foliage; water at the base to reduce risk of mildew.

• Consistent watering is especially important during fruit set and growth.

5. Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or organic equivalent) at planting.

• Side-dress with compost or organic fertilizer once vines begin to run and again at fruit set.

• Too much nitrogen = lots of vines, fewer fruits.

6. Pollination

• Honeynut squash needs pollinators (bees).

• If fruit set is poor, hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male to female flowers with a small brush.

7. Pest & Disease Management

• Watch for squash vine borers, squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids.

• Use row covers early, remove as soon as flowers appear for pollination.

• Practice crop rotation and avoid planting squash in the same spot year after year.

• Powdery mildew can be a problem—ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering.

8. Harvesting

• Fruits are ready about 110 days from sowing or when skin turns a rich deep orange-brown and resists fingernail pressure.

• Cut with a sharp knife leaving 1–2 inches of stem for longer storage.

9. Curing & Storage

• Cure squash in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot (80–85°F) for 10–14 days.

• Store in a cool, dry place (50–55°F). Properly cured Honeynuts store for 2–3 months.

✨ Tip for Success: Honeynut squash packs big sweetness into a smaller fruit, but it needs full sun, rich soil, and steady moisture to deliver that intense flavor. Trellising helps keep fruit off the ground, reduces rot, and saves space.