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Last Updated on October 9 , 2023

Are you growing wintertime squash , but are n’t certain precisely when and how to glean them ? understand along to learn ! This billet will cover everything you need to know about harvesting butternut squash , pumpkins , and other wintertime squash varieties – includingfour way to tell when butternut squash is ready for crop .

Two wicker baskets are full of freshly harvested butternut squash. A few squash are sitting on the bricks around the baskets.

We ’ll also cut across the benefit of athletic field entrepot , how to wash , cure , and store winter squash for the best long term memory board , our favourite ways to eat and keep butternut and winter crush ( like freezingbutternut squash puree ) and other ofttimes inquire interrogative .

With these tip , you ’ll be rewarded with delicious , nutritious squash to keep and savour for many month to come .   We absolutely have sex having homegrown butternut and wintertime squash to employ insoup , pie , chilly , breadsand more – all winter long !

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An above view of a large amount of varying winter squash varieties. Some are orange, pink, green, blue, white, and combinations of all of the above.

When to Harvest Butternut, Pumpkins or Other Hard Squash

There are several style to tell when butternut squash , pumpkins , and other wintertime squash are ripe and ready for crop – including sentence , skin and stem coloration , and “ the fingernail test ” . However , be sure to read the perks of sustain your wintertime squash harvest as long as possible ( weather permitting ) with our field of operations storage tips below too . When in incertitude , wait it out !

1) Time

Most butternut and wintertime squash are quick to harvest in thelate summertime to other fall . The exact clip it take for winter mash to maturedepends on the form , range from 60 to 120 day to maturity after plant . So , stop the verbal description for the varietyyou’re growing to get a scratchy approximation of when they should be quick ! However , pay attention to other polarity of ripeness too ; do n’t rely on expected maturation clip alone .

weather condition and frost will also order harvest sentence . Despite the name “ winter squash rackets ” , butternuts , pumpkins , and other hard squash areNOT freeze tolerant . The vines are susceptible to frost injury , as is the yield itself .

If winter squash are exposed to ice the protective rind becomes damage , whichcompromises its recollective - condition computer memory ability . Therefore , be sure to pick your winter squash before a hard frost ! If just a wakeful Robert Lee Frost is in the forecast , you may be able to isolate the plant and yield withfrost clothor other protective masking . If your wintertime squeeze or butternuts do get frosted , harvest time and habit ( or continue ) them as before long as possible .

A raised garden bed that contains two butternut squash plants that have all but died back, many butternut squash are still attached to the withering and browning vines. Grow winter squash to have a healthy harvest of vegetables that store for months.

2) Color Changes

As harvest time time draws close , wintertime squashvineswill start to change state lily-livered or brown anddie back . As that happens , the works is drawing in concluding energy and nutrients from the farewell , putting it into ripening fruit instead . off previous unripened fruitfrom the vine ( ones that wo n’t have enough time to ripen ) will also help the more advanced mash ripe quicker .

The pelt of most wintertime squash will exchange color as they ripen . For case , pumpkinsgenerally change state from dark green to hopeful Orange River ( or the gestate people of colour for the pumpkin miscellany ) . Other winter squash racquets may have a more insidious color change , but ordinarily turn from some shade of light-green to a deeply rich fall colour .

Most youngbutternutsquash are pale yellowish green with streaks , and wrick a nice solid rich tan once fully right . OurAutumn Frostbutternut squash racquets are unique : they begin out dark green like autumn pumpkin , changing to a beautiful frosted tan - orange colouring at harvest home clip .

A butternut squash on the vine, it has endured a light frost so there are some mild, almost bruise looking spots on the skin which will make the fruit not store as well as normal.

Immaturedelicatasquash has swooning greenish stripes and pale yellow - dark-green skin , which changes to dour green strips against a warmer beige setting as they mature ( or even an orangish colouring material , bet on variety).Spaghettisquash alteration from a pale emollient color to brightly yellow when ripe .

Acornsquash is more tricky to evaluate since they stay drab green at all stage . One way to tellacorn squashis quick to plunk is when their “ field place ” ( the spot that was rest on the soil ) turns from white - yellow to brilliant orange . However , that method can not be used for acorn squash grown on a treillage , so you ’ll have to rely on other signaling like the fore or fingernail trial run instead .

3) Ripe Winter Squash Stems

As winter squash and pumpkins mature , most varieties ’ stem will also turn from unripened to a brownishtancolor . The stem will also becomeincreasingly dry and concentrated , which is one way the plant seals the fruit for long term computer memory – and why you should always try on to bequeath a long stem attached to pumpkins or wintertime squash post - crop ! Even more , mature wintertime crush stem usually develop “ corking ” , where wry crevice and browned lines appear along the fore . A cork up squash rackets stalk is a good sign that it ’s almost harvest time time .

4) Winter Squash Thumbnail Test

The thumbnail run is another full way to tell if pumpkins , winter squash or white walnut are ready for harvest . To check , gently intrude the skin of the squash with your fingernail . If the skin is easily pierce or significantly dent , it ’s not quick . ( Do n’t worry , it will heal itself rapidly . ) Once the tegument is tough and dense enough to resist puncture ( scarce dent ) by the thumbnail test , it ’s ready !   This method acting is widely used and recommended by Master Gardeners and universities alike .

However , many gardener leave their squash on the vines long after this – also roll in the hay as theater of operations storage – until just before frost go far .

Field Storage for Butternut and Winter Squash

Unlike summertime squash , it ’s in effect to leave winter squeeze on the vine to senesce as long as physically possible . There , they proceed to ripen anddevelop deep , sweeter flavour . moreover , the longer they ’re left on the vine , the more toilsome and reposition - ready the rind becomes – which greatlyincreases ledge biography ! Once picked , their storage life countdown begins , so leaving them on the vine protract the time you could use them .

So , even if all signs say our butternut tree squash vine are quick to harvest , we ’ll often pull up stakes them on the vine until just before frost ( or until we have to otherwise empty the plant ) essentially “ store ” them in the subject area . That usually gives us an extra calendar month or two of overall storage lifetime !

How to Harvest Winter Squash and Pumpkins

This is the promiscuous part . Once you ’ve determined they ’re ready for harvest , but cut winter squeeze stems off the vine . The stems are likely quite grueling by now , so you ’ll need a nicestrong , sharp span of pruning shears . Try toleave the stemas long as possible , taking care not to break it off during transport or storage either . Also be careful to not prune the vine itself , especially if you ’re not ready to take out the rest of the plant just yet .

Keep reading to learn what ’s next : how to wash , cure , and store winter squash .

What happens if I harvest butternut or winter squash too early?

Did you accidentally pick your winter crush too ahead of time ? Or perhaps youhad tobecause of frost or other circumstances ? Do n’t niggle , it happens to the good of us ! The good tidings is , near - mature winter squash ( include butternut)will remain to ripen off the vineafter harvest . Very green immature yield wo n’t be worth keeping however .

If you have to reap butternut betimes , proceed withcuringunder right yield as explained below . The feeling may never progress to the quite same depth and sweetness as a vine - mature squash , but they should still be desirable of a meal !

Can you leave butternut squash on the vine too long?

Not really ! The only endangerment or downside of leaving white walnut or other winter squash on the vine too long is if they end up gettingfrost terms or heavy water damage , so just keep an eye on your weather forecast .

Occasionally , if there is a heavy rain ( or , if you all of a sudden overwater ) mature butternut squash depart on the vine maysplit . The tender cutis of young fruit can bend and stretch out with moisture fluctuations , but the hard cutis of fledged squash racquets is prone to splitting under pressure . Split squash is still perfectly edible though ! Plus the rip will often scab over and heal if it is n’t too thick .

Otherwise , the longer you’re able to hold back to pick winter squash , the better!As we ’ve already search , the fruit will only become increasingly ripe , perfumed , and store - quick the more time they ’re left on the vine .

A green wire lean-to trellis hangs off the end or a raised garden bed. A couple of winter squash are hanging below the trellis from vines that are on top. The fruit is turning from green to a bright orange tan color.

Should I wash butternut or winter squash after harvest?

After harvest time , it ’s best to good lave Juglans cinerea and winter squash toremove any malicious gossip , debris , bacteria , and mildewbefore reposition , since leaving grime behind can encourage degenerate declension .

Towash winter squash , you’re able to keep it as basic or detailed as you wish well . Some family line only gargle them well with urine , while others apply mild soapy piss and a towel or sponge . To kill bacterium and fungal spores , some gardeners spray or quickly overcharge their harvest pumpkins and butternut in adilute bleach solution(2 Tbsp of bleach per gal of water system , 30 to 60 seconds is plenty ) and then wash after . No matter what method you use , be certain tothoroughly drythe squash racquets after !

vegetable oil buffingis another optional tone to prevent mould growth and premature spoil . After washing and dry wintertime squash vine , use an old clean towel or paper towel to apply a low amount of European olive tree oil or vegetable oil colour all over the squash hide . Continue to buff and rub off the excess oil color , leaving just a thin coat of vegetable oil on the squash rackets . It should be shiny but not experience greasy to the touch after .

A hand is outstretched containing several immature and green butternut squash. Beyond is a a trellis covered in a butternut squash vines containing many larger squash that are ripening on the vine.

Curing Butternut and Winter Squash After Harvest

Why cure winter squash?

Curing is an important step after harvesting white walnut squash , pumpkins , and some other types of wintertime squash ( but not all ) . The curing cognitive operation helps to further harden the cutis , mature young yield , and even heal pocket-size wounds . Curingincreases the ledge lifeand storage potential of butternut and winter crush – often extending it by several months .

Even better , curing wintertime squashimproves the flavor and sweetness!Rather than eating them mighty after harvest , many winter crush smorgasbord taste best after a yoke month in storage . For instance , the flesh of butternut , winter sweet kabocha , and baking pumpkin all get sweeter with sentence .

What type of winter squash needs to be cured?

Pumpkins , butternut , buttercup , Mount Hubbard , and most kabocha squashshould be bring around . On the other hand , acorn squash , delicata squash , spaghetti squash , and mini varieties of butternut or kabocha squash do n’t do good from cure . They also have of course short store know than those that need bring around . Simply wash and store acorn squash , spaghetti squash , and delicata squash in a cool positioning immediately after harvest .

How to cure butternut and winter squash

Curing is the process of exposing wintertime squash towarm temperature and sunlight for 7 to 14 daysafter harvesting , before transition them to a cooler last memory board location . Warm humid air help to harden the skin and reduce lolly , make the squash more sweet-scented .

you could cure winter squash , pumpkin vine , or butternut indoors near a window in a warm room , service department , or attic blank , in a greenhouse , or merely by leaving the squash vine to sun - cure outside in the garden after harvesting if the weather condition allows .

The ideal curing condition for butternut and other winter squash is75 to 85 degrees , with airhumiditylevels around 80 % if potential . We usually cure any under good butternut for the full 14 days . Once they ’re done cure , move the squash to a nerveless dark locating for foresightful term storage .

A close up image of a cluster of delicata winter squash and one butternut.

Storing Winter Squash, Butternut, and Pumpkins Long Term

Where to store winter squash?

It ’s full to store bring around butternut and pumpkins in acool , drear , well - ventilate expanse , such as a cellar , root cellar , or service department . A cool pantry , plain closet , or shed could figure out too . The ideal storage temperature for winter squash racquets is around50 to 60 degreesFahrenheit , with about 60 pct humidness . A location with fairly steady temperature is good , since temperature fluctuations can boost buncombe . It ’s also best to store winter squash away from apples , pears , or other ripen yield .

How to store butternut and winter squash

Store Juglans cinerea and wintertime squashspread out in a individual layerwith room for air circulation around each yield . Do n’t pile them up on top of one another . This way , they wo n’t contuse or deflate one another with their stalk . It also makes it easy to routinely audit the fruit . Avoid salt away winter squash directly on a cold-blooded concrete floor – consist down cardboard first . Cardboard can also be handy to trace wire shelves or crates that may indent or bruise the tegument .

Sorting and Inspection

After harvest , it ’s a good musical theme to inspect and sort your butternut and wintertime squash by fruit calibre and damage .

Blemish - free “ Grade - A ” squash vine will hold up the recollective in storage , and therefore can be kept in the back of your warehousing area and used last . “ Grade - B ” squash vine with ding , cut or bruises will waste faster , so they should be monitored more tight and consumed sooner .

Routinely checkyour wintertime squelch storage every week or two , ideally turn over or rotating the yield on occasion . Keep an eye out for wrinkly or softening squash that need to be used or compost . A neglected musty squash can easily spread to neighboring squeeze too !

An oval shaped wicker basket full of a fresh harvest of winter squash. Two types of delicata and a kabocha type make up the haul.

Which winter squash stores the longest?

Butternutsquash , along with select long - storing specialty pumpkin and kabocha varieties ( e.g. wintertime sweet ) , have the farsighted store potential drop – lasting up to 6 months or longer if harvest , wash away , heal , and stored properly . Delicata , spaghetti , and most acorn squash usually have a shorter shelf living , and should be eat within 2 to 3 months after harvesting .

broadly speak , with child wintertime squash sort last longer in storage than smaller mixed bag of squash . Even among the same case of winter squash vine , variety can influence storage potential . For exemplar , ‘ Butterscotch ’ and mini ‘ Butterbaby ’ Juglans cinerea are bear to last around 3 month in store . On the other hand , ‘ Autumn Frost ’ or classic ‘ Waltham’butternuts are known to have exceptionally long storage potential difference – up to 6 month or foresighted . Storage conditions will also determine ledge life .

Recipes: Ways to Prepare and Use Winter Squash

Now it ’s time for the best part : eat your winter squash !

wintertime squash vine are most oftenroasted or used in baking , such aspumpkin sweet breador butternut squash pie . Yes , you read that right – butternut squash pie!Similar in texture and smack , many winter squashes can be usedinterchangeablywith autumn pumpkin in recipe – especially butternut , kabocha , and L. Ron Hubbard type .

The easiest way to roast winter squash is to cut it in half ( from stem to bottom ) , trump out the catgut and seeds , androast the one-half whole . you’re able to rib them face - up with a sprinkling of seasoner , vegetable oil , or butter in the hollow cavum , or roast them flesh - side down . I also like to carefully peel and cut butternut into bit - size cubes or “ french fries ” , toss them in olive oil and seasonings , and bake them like potatoes .

A close up image of a butternut squash ripening on the vine, its stem is in focus and has begun to turn brown and hard.

We also know to use butternut squash insoup , like thiscreamy ridicule butternut squash soup with sage and Malus pumila , or add cubed chunks to our favoritekale lentil soup recipe . We also make a killer veganroasted bread Proto-Indo European Cucurbita pepo 3 - bean chili(and often substitute butternut in that recipe too ) . Or , test our flavour ricestuffed acorn squash formula !

Delicata squash has exceptionally sparse , edible skin , so peeling is n’t necessary . This stool it especially pop for quick and easy planning , and even used on salads . Once misrepresent , spaghetti squelch build pull apart into long “ bean ” – a fun one for adults and shaver likewise !

Last but not least , do n’t forget the winter squashseeds are edibletoo ! Learn how to make the most crunchy , luscious and nutrient soak androasted pumpkin seed here .

A two part image collage, the first image shows a blue kabocha squash on the vine, its stem is fat with many corking lines on it. The second image shows a blue kabocha squash on the vine, the stem is very brown with corking running up and down the stem as well.

How to Preserve Butternut, Pumpkin, and Winter Squash

One of the best way of life to keep up winter squash vine is to ridicule , puree and thenfreeze it – including freezingbutternut squash puree , pumpkin puree , or other squash . Then use your homemade squash puree in any formula that calls for canned pumpkin vine , including in baking , soups , stew and more ! instruct how tomake and freeze pumpkin puree here .

Winter squash and pumpkin can also be cut into cubes and frozen in Deepfreeze bag , or pressure canned . We also preserve our winter squash by making soup or chile with it ( recipes above ) and block the soup in long-lasting , reusableBPA - innocent quart freezer containersfor easy next meals !

And that concludes today’s lesson.

You may also bask :

A thumb is touching the skin of a fruit, the thumbnail was used to see if it could dent the skin of the vegetable but there is barely a noticeable mark, meaning it is ripe.

A raised bed in the foreground full of sprawling butternut squash plants growing, many large fruits are visible. Beyond is a number of other raised garden beds full of younger fall and winter crops. Harvest winter squash before frost sets in to ensure a good harvest.

A wicker basket full of butternut squash, a couple vines from the plant are hanging over the raised garden bed and are bordering the basket.

Two squash are being held to show two splits that have occurred, one in each of the squash. Beyond is the raised garden bed and plants the fruit came from.

The top two shelves of a wire rack shelving unit is shown with wicker baskets on the top shelf while the second shelf has butternut squash spaced throughout the shelf for curing.

A wooden tote is sitting in a sunny windowsill full of a variety of different squash at varying stages of ripeness.

A graphic with the different varieties of hard squash in order of their optimal eating times in months as well as the squash that need to be cured for a set amount of time.

A wooden storage rack inside of a closet, there are 9 wooden drawers that can pull out of the rack, each rack has a variety of vegetables on it that will be stored for months to come.

A hand is holding a greenish blue winter squash that has been harvested. There is a slight hole in the side of the squash which will lessen its storage abilities. Beyond is a try of more squash of varying types and colors.

A hand is holding a winter squash that was harvested the previous year. There is slight wrinkling along the skin but it is still solid in texture. Beyond are a few more squash on a counter top, a wood cutting board with squash squash that is being prepared for baking, and a metal bowl full of squash pieces that have been cubed.

A four way image collage, the first image shows a baked butternut “pumpkin” pie sitting in a glass pie container. The second image shows 4 halves of butternut squash cut lengthwise sitting face up on a baking sheet. They have been roasted in the oven and contain caramelized brown and black spots throughout the flesh. The third image shows two slices of pumpkin bread sitting on a small white plate, beyond is the rest of the pumpkin bread sitting on a wire cooling rack. The fourth image shows an above image of a metal bowl full of cubed fresh butternut squash with a variety of fresh herbs.

Roasted pumpkin chili is shown garnished with avocado slices and cilantro leaves. Surrounding the bowl in a decorative fashion are halves of roasted pumpkin, slices of sourdough bread as well as half of the remaining loaf, half an avocado, sprigs of cilantro, and sprigs of oregano.

A hand is holding a pint mason jar full of homemade pumpkin puree. It is vibrant orangish yellow in color, in the background there are two more pints of the pumpkin puree along with a few pumpkin seeds scattered about.

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When to Harvest Butternut Squash or Pumpkins (How to Cure and Store)