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Annual Biennial

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 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Yellow Green Brown
Autumn Green Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical 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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