Cucurbita moschata 'Harrier'
squash (butternut) 'Harrier'
An outstanding British bred butternut squash variety producing sweet tasting, medium sized, pear shaped fruits. It is ideally suited to the short growing season and is ready to harvest just over 3 months from sowing. Noted for its reliability, good performance and long storage ability
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Green | Brown | |
Autumn | Green | Brown | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
A small genus of climbing or trailing, annual herbaceous fruits. Several edible species are cultivated for food and other uses. Native to Central and South America. Solitary, star-shaped flowers are usually golden-yellow. Leaves are palmately lobed, covered with tiny, prickly hairs
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Sow indoors May to June in good quality seed compost. Sow flat on their side 1cm deep and maintain a constant temperature of 18-21C. Feed regularly with a high potassium fertiliser when the first fruits start to swell. See cucurbit cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds and Powdery mildews
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