Butternut Squash, Winter Squash 'Rogosa Violina Gioia'

I grow this squash out every 2 to 3 yrs to keep the seed going. It is at least a 105 day squash (about 5 - 10 days beyond what I expect i...Read Moren an avg. yr) to get mature seed and that is with diligent snapping of any new female flowers starting early/mid August. I start the seeds in cow pots mid May and transplant about one week after seedlings appear which gets them in around the last week in May/1st week of June. The plant has little to no resistance to PowMildew so I spray the vines with 50% milk/water (yes, Milk) and a dash of sticker which seems to work pretty well. They really like a lot of Nitrogen at first, then I add heavy Phosphate when female flwrs. appear. Harvest around Oct 1+. They will store into the Spring.
A truly outstanding eating squash after 2+months storage which is the reason I grow them out. They are an excellent companion to pollinate/grow with Tetsukabuto (almost as good eating as Violina). Hope this helps- it's a great Italian heirloom that is worth growing for the those who would enjoy one of the best tasting winter squashes available when the snow falls and the cold bites.

We had such a good experience with this squash. Flavor is strong / sweet, not mild. It's great roasted in the oven, and DH made a great...Read More butternut squash ravioli, wherein both the filling and the pasta are made from the squash. No flour is used for the pasta part aside from what is needed when working and rolling out the dough. Leftover roasted squash from the ravioli experiment was turned into a really good pie - just go easy on the usual pumpkin pie spices - this squash doesn't need alot of them as compared to using canned pumpkin for pie. Next experiment will be a soup, and roasted squash seeds. It was a pretty healthy vine and abundant producer. We probably had 20 - 22 squash from three vines, which were grown in a 10X20 space.

Harvest before first frost or when ready. Leave 1-2 inches of stem attached.

Excellent for storing, and is great baked, st...Read Moreeamed, broiled, mashed and in pies or custards. Store in a cool (45-55 degrees F.), dry place to prevent shrivel, lose weight, and to postpone spoilage as long as possible.

No Space Saver suggestions.

Excellent resistance to vine borers.

Plant late in the Spring when soil is warm and all danger of frost is gone. Cover when a threat of 40 degrees or cooler is present during Spring.

Vines range up to fifteen feet.

An Italian Butternut-type squash, these have a violin shape and wrinkled tan skin, the flesh is deep orange and sweet, perfect for desser...Read Morets, roasting, stuffing and baking.