Pumpkin 'South Anna Butternut'

Cucurbita moschata

• Rich, sweet flavour with dense orange flesh.
• Excellent storage after harvest.
• Exceptional resistance to downy mildew.
• Productive, vigorous vines.
• Improved butternut bred from 'Waltham' × 'Seminole'.

'South Anna Butternut' combines the classic shape, flavour and eating quality of a traditional butternut with the vigour and disease resistance of the Seminole pumpkin. Bred from a cross between 'Waltham' Butternut and 'Seminole', it produces attractive fruit approximately 20cm long and 13cm wide with slightly darker tan skin than standard butternuts.

The rich, sweet flesh is excellent for roasting, soups and baking, while the mature fruit store exceptionally well, making this an outstanding variety for both home gardens and market growers.

One of its greatest strengths is its exceptional resistance to downy mildew, allowing vigorous vines to remain productive well into the season, particularly in warm, humid climates where many butternut varieties - including the parent 'Waltham' struggle.

Immature fruit are dark green and should be left on the vine until the skin changes to a rich tan colour. Although they take a little longer than traditional butternuts to reach full colour, this extra time rewards growers with maximum sweetness, flavour and storage quality.

Developed by Edmund Frost of Common Wealth Seed Growers. Stemming from a 2011 cross between Seminole Pumpkin and Waltham Butternut, the final stages of selection are ongoing.

OSSI pledged variety.

Certified Demeter Biodynamic and Certified Organic

SEED COUNT: 10 seeds, 5 grams, 25 grams approx.
Seed specifications: 7-9 seeds/gram
Germination: Lot#17428 99% May 2026

Seed Raising, Growing and Harvest Information

TRANSPLANTING - Sow 2-3 seeds per 5cm container 3 weeks prior to transplanting. Germinate at 24-35°C. Thin with scissors to 1 plant/container with scissors. Harden plants 4–7 days prior to transplanting. After danger of frost has passed, transplant out 60cm between plants in rows 1-1.5m apart. Handle seedlings carefully; minimal root disturbance is best.

DIRECT SEEDING - Sow in late spring when soil is at least 21°C and frost danger has passed. Sow 2-4 seeds allowing 60cm between mounds, 25mm deep. Thin to 1 plant per spacing interval after seedlings are established.

HARVEST - Fruits can tolerate 1-2 light frosts, however, temperatures below -2°C can damage fruit. When fruit colour is a fully developed TAN, clip handles close to the vine. Avoid picking up fruits by handles and take care not to damage the skin/rind. Sun cure in the field for 5-7 days or cure indoors by keeping fruits at 27-29°C with good air ventilation. Store at 10-15°C with 50-70% relative humidity and good ventilation.