Butternut squash

Igrowfromseed

I’m new to butternut squashes. Noticed as mine are now starting to run that they are sending out roots along the stems. Accidentally pulled some up when rearranging the runners. I presume these roots provide added nutrients and should be replanted. 

philippasmith2

I don't recall having that problem when I grew them a few years ago.

Perhaps they weren't planted deep enough originally or the soil level has shrunk due to weather ?

Depends on whether they are fruiting yet but you will need to be careful how many fruits you allow on each plant in order for them to be able to grow and ripen in time.

Igrowfromseed

Just coming into flower now. How many fruit per plant do you recommend?

philippasmith2

That really will depend on your conditions/climate but from your pic it doesn't look as if you have a great deal of space there.
You would normally want full sized fruit to have formed say by early/mid September in order for them to ripen before any chance of frost. Obviously that depends on your location.

BobTheGardener

Some varieties do grow these (called adventitious roots) and some don't.  They can appear at any leaf joint along a stem which touches the soil.  They will provide extra water and nutrients and so develop growing fruit faster, but the plant doesn't actually need them, so don't worry if you can't replant any after moving the stray stems.

Igrowfromseed

Well, got my first butternut squash of the season. From flower to fruit in approx 3-4 weeks and weighs in at 500g, same as a well known supermarket variety. 

Fairygirl

Brilliant! Hope you enjoy using them 

jen.cross1979

That looks brilliant!! 

Danae(dan-Ah-ee)

Mine did something exciting this year: the packet said Butternut Squash; the plants produced some lovely pumpkins. 

 I'm told they're edible! Phew!!