Butternut Squash Havana F1

Butternut Havana F1 Squash is a semi-early hybrid variety of Cucurbita moschata that combines yield, uniformity and flavour quality. Each vigorous and productive plant forms regular, pear-shaped fruits, weighing on average 1.1 to 1.4 kg, with a light beige skin and a reduced seed cavity. Its sweet and melting orange flesh is a benchmark for both family and gourmet cooking. This variety shows a natural resistance to powdery mildew and the courgette yellow mosaic virus. Sow from April to June (depending on the climate and cultivation method), for a harvest from September to October.

The family of butternut squashes: Butternut squashes belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, genus Cucurbita moschata. They are annual herbaceous plants with long, trailing stems, sometimes climbing, thanks to their strong tendrils. Each plant bears both male and female flowers (monoecious plant): only fertilised female flowers will produce fruit. The fruits, or butternuts, have a typical club shape, with a long, fleshy neck and a swollen base. Their stalk is thick, ribbed, and well-anchored to the fruit. When ripe, the skin takes on a cream to light beige hue, and the dense and sweet flesh turns a bright orange.

Culinary uses and nutritional benefits: Butternut Havana F1 is highly prized in cooking for its sweet, sugary and melting flesh, ideal for velvety soups, purées, gratins, oven roasts or even sautéed cubes. The majority of the fruit is flesh. Nutritionally, it is an excellent source of fibre, beta-carotin (provitamin A), potassium and vitamin C, while being low in calories. It therefore provides much flavour and health benefits for a healthy and balanced diet.

Harvest and storage: Harvest when the skin is very hard, and the peduncle begins to dry, usually in late summer – early autumn. For optimal storage, leave a long stalk and store the fruits in a temperate, dry and well-ventilated room (10 to 15 °C). Under these conditions, Havana F1 can easily be stored for several months, until winter, or even until the following spring, while retaining its flavour and firmness.

Its companions in the vegetable garden: Butternut Havana F1 grows very well with other vegetables. Inspired by the traditional "Three Sisters" method, you can let it run at the foot of sweet corn 'Swift', while the climbing beans enrich the soil with nitrogen. To attract pollinators and deter certain pests, it is also wise to sow a few nasturtiums or borage: they beautify the vegetable garden while providing valuable services.

The gardener's little tip: To strengthen your young plants, bury the stems at the nodes to encourage new rooting. To protect the fruits from soil moisture, place them on a tile, a brick, or thick mulch. You can also guide the stems onto wire mesh or strong supports to save space and limit the risk of rot.