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How Big Should Butternut Squash Be Before Picking?
Butternut squash should be between 8 and 12 inches long before picking.
That’s the sweet spot for most varieties when you’re wondering how big should butternut squash be before picking.
If you pick it too early, the flesh won’t be sweet and the texture will be disappointing.
Wait too long, and frost could damage it or the squash could start rotting on the vine.
So how big should butternut squash be before picking, exactly?
A good butternut squash is typically 2 to 3 pounds in weight, with a thick neck and a small bulb at the bottom.
In this post, we’ll cover how big butternut squash should be before picking, plus the other signs that tell you it’s time to harvest.
Let’s dig in.
How Big Butternut Squash Should Be Before Picking
How big butternut squash should be before picking depends on a few factors.
The size matters, but it’s not the only thing you should look at.
Here’s what to check.
1. Length and Weight
The most common butternut squash varieties reach 8 to 12 inches in length when they’re ready.
If your squash is shorter than 8 inches, it’s probably still growing.
You should aim for a squash that weighs between 2 and 3 pounds.
If it feels light for its size, that’s a sign it’s not fully mature yet.
A heavy squash for its size means the flesh inside is dense and ripe.
2. Skin Color and Texture
When you’re figuring out how big should butternut squash be before picking, the skin tells you a lot.
A ripe butternut squash has a deep, solid tan color with no green streaks.
If you still see green patches, it’s not ready.
The skin should also feel hard and thick.
Press your fingernail into the skin.
If it leaves a dent, the squash needs more time.
If your nail can’t penetrate the skin, it’s ready to pick.
3. The Stem and Vine
The stem is another big clue for how big butternut squash should be before picking.
When a butternut squash is ripe, the stem turns brown and woody.
It also starts to dry out and pull away from the vine slightly.
If the stem is still green and soft, the squash is still maturing.
You can also check the vine itself.
When the vine near the squash starts to shrivel and turn brown, harvest time is near.
4. The Thump Test
Give your butternut squash a gentle thump with your knuckles.
A ripe squash sounds hollow.
If it sounds solid and dull, it’s probably not ready.
This trick works great alongside checking how big butternut squash should be before picking.
Combine the sound with the size to be sure.
Other Signs Butternut Squash Is Ready to Pick
Size is important, but there are other signs that tell you it’s harvest time.
Keep an eye on these too.
1. Days to Maturity
Most butternut squash varieties mature in 85 to 110 days.
Check your seed packet for the specific variety you planted.
If you’re close to that window and your squash looks big enough, it’s probably ready.
2. Dry Weather Window
Pick your butternut squash during a dry spell if you can.
Wet conditions can lead to rot after harvest.
A dry, sunny day is ideal for picking.
3. Before the First Frost
Butternut squash doesn’t like frost.
A light frost can damage the squash and shorten its storage life.
If frost is in the forecast, harvest your squash even if it’s slightly under the ideal size.
Tips for Harvesting Butternut Squash
Once you know how big butternut squash should be before picking, harvesting is easy.
Use a sharp pair of pruning shears or a knife.
Leave 2 to 3 inches of stem attached to the squash.
Don’t carry it by the stem because it can break off.
After picking, cure your squash in a warm, sunny spot for 7 to 10 days.
This hardens the skin and helps it store longer.
So, How Big Should Butternut Squash Be Before Picking?
Butternut squash should be between 8 and 12 inches long and weigh 2 to 3 pounds before picking.
The skin should be deep tan with no green streaks, and the stem should be brown and woody.
When you know how big butternut squash should be before picking, you’ll harvest at the perfect time.
Use the size, color, stem, and thump test together for the best results.
Happy harvesting.