Winter squash seeds — butternut, kabocha and storing types
Winter squash are the hard-shelled cucurbits grown to ripen fully and store for months — sweet butternuts, nutty kabocha, crown prince and more, perfect for autumn and winter cooking. They're a rewarding part of our gourds and squash range. New to growing? Our vegetable growing guide covers the essentials.
They need a long, warm season. Start early under cover so the fruit ripens fully — the calendar shows when.
Types and their families
The sweetest storers belong to the Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata families. For carving and culinary pumpkins, see our pumpkins, and for soft types eaten young, our summer squash.
Growing and ripening for store
Plant into very rich soil (our soil guide helps), water and feed generously through summer (see the feeding guide), then let the fruit ripen hard and cure in the sun before storing somewhere cool and dry.
Want fruit that keeps till spring? Cure ripe squash in the sun for a week or two to harden the skins for storage.
Popular vegetable categories: Cucurbita maxima · Cucurbita moschata · Pumpkin · Summer Squash · Gourds & Squash
At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is winter squash?
Hard-skinned squash ripened fully on the plant and stored for months — butternut, kabocha, crown prince and similar.
When do I sow it?
Early, often under cover, because it needs a long, warm season to ripen.
How do I store winter squash?
Cure the ripe fruit in the sun to harden the skins, then keep it somewhere cool, dry and airy.
Why won't my butternut ripen?
Usually too short or cool a season — start early, grow warm and choose quicker-maturing varieties.
Summer or winter squash — what's the difference?
Summer squash are eaten young and soft; winter squash are stored hard and ripe.
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