South Anna Butternut Squash
Be sure to check out our Winter Squash Growing Guide to learn how to successfully grow winter squash at home.
South Anna Butternut Squash is an open-pollinated, butternut squash variety derived from a cross between a Waltham Butternut Squash and Seminole Pumpkin. It has the shape of a traditional butternut squash with the disease-resistance and vigor of the Seminole Pumpkin. This variety exhibits exceptional resistance to downy mildew and performs well in hot and humid climates. Fruits have a slightly darker exterior than traditional butternut squash, but with excellent flavor and storage potential.
South Anna Butternut Squash may be direct seeded or transplanted, although we highly recommend direct seeding. To ensure a good stand, we recommend planting Seeds every 12″ along the intended row. Once plants emerge, thin plants to one every 2 feet. Winter Squash can be susceptible to plant diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew if leaves receive excess moisture. As a result, we recommend using drip irrigation on winter squash to reduce plant moisture and feed plants more effectively. During periods of heavy rainfall, using a fungicide like Liquid Copper can help to alleviate disease pressure as well.
Winter Squash are a crop that will produce a one-time harvest at the end of the growing season. They should be harvested when plants die back and the fruits obtain their full color. Stem hardness is also an indication of fruit maturity. Once stems harden, fruits are ready for harvest using a set of pruning shears. Winter Squash can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months, depending on variety and sugar content. Once fruits are harvested, remove the plants from the garden to prevent any fungal spores from overwintering and becoming a problem in future years. Proper crop rotation is extremely important with all pumpkin varieties to reduce disease and pest pressure.
South Anna Butternut Squash Planting Information
Planting Method: direct seed
When to Plant: after last frost
Planting Depth: 1/2″
Seed Spacing: 18-24″
Row Spacing: 5-6′
Days to Maturity: 110
Disease Resistance: Downy Mildew
