Seeds, Winter Squash, Burgess Buttercup

Winter Squash, Burgess Buttercup
(Cucurbita maxima)

Burgess Buttercup is a classic heirloom winter squash known for its exceptionally sweet, dry, deep orange flesh and distinctive turban-shaped cap. Introduced in the early 1900s, it remains one of the finest quality buttercup types for flavor and storage. Dense, smooth, and richly textured, this is a favorite for roasting and winter baking in serious food gardens.

Key Characteristics

• Rich, Sweet, Fine-Grained Flesh
  Burgess Buttercup is prized for its thick, dry flesh with a smooth texture and concentrated sweetness. The flavor deepens in storage, making it excellent for roasting, mashing, pies, and soups. Many growers consider it one of the best-tasting winter squash varieties available.
• Long Storage Potential
  When properly cured, fruits store 3–5 months or longer in cool, dry conditions. The hard rind protects the flesh through winter, making it a dependable staple for root cellar planning and seasonal food security.
• Vigorous, Productive Vines
  Strong, sprawling vines produce multiple 3–5 lb fruits per plant in fertile soil. Given ample space and compost-rich beds, this variety rewards growers with high-quality yields suitable for both fresh use and storage.
• Nutrient-Dense Winter Staple
  Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, Burgess Buttercup provides substantial winter nutrition. Its dense flesh also freezes well after cooking, extending its usefulness beyond fresh storage.

Product Details

• Botanical Name: Cucurbita maxima
• Native Range: Domesticated in the Americas
• Plant Life Cycle: Annual
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium to medium-wet, fertile, well-drained
• Mature Vine Length: 8–12+ feet
• Bloom Time: June–July
• Bloom Color: Bright yellow
• Days to Maturity: ~95–105 days
• Fruit Size: 3–5 lbs
• Harvest Time: Late summer to early fall, before frost
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Grown as an annual in zones 3–9

Direct sow after danger of frost when soil temperatures reach at least 65°F. Incorporate compost before planting and maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development. Cure harvested squash in a warm, dry area for 10–14 days before moving to long-term storage. In permaculture systems, allow vines to sprawl along garden margins or beneath tall crops, where they function as seasonal living mulch.

Burgess Buttercup stands out for flavor, texture, and dependable storage—an heirloom winter squash that earns its space in any productive homestead garden.