HUNTER
Best winter squash for gardeners seeking high yields and pest resistance.
Introducing the 'Hunter' Winter Squash, a superior hybrid variety from the *Cucurbita moschata* family. This exceptional squash matures in approximately 85 days, often outperforming traditional butternut types. Its attractive fruits, weighing 1 ¼ to 2 pounds, boast a sweet, creamy orange flesh with a smooth texture. 'Hunter' plants are highly productive, yielding squash perfect for long-term storage, ensuring delicious meals throughout the winter. For optimal flavor and shelf life, cure the fruits for 10-14 days. This variety also offers natural resistance to vine borers.
$20.25
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5888
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
+91%
Above average
Soil Temp for Germination
6585
/ –°F
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking maximum food production per plant
- Cool-climate growers extending their harvest into winter
- Novice gardeners wanting a reliable, low-maintenance crop
Who should skip it
- Urban gardeners with limited container or raised bed space
- Cooks preferring tender, mild greens for raw salads
- Gardeners in regions with intense, prolonged summer heat
Performance breakdown
Pest Resistance
Natural vine borer resistance significantly reduces common garden maintenance headaches.
Storage Longevity
Exceptional shelf life keeps your harvest fresh well into the winter.
Yield Efficiency
Highly productive plants maximize output for small to medium garden plots.
Maturation Speed
Rapid 85-day growth cycle beats traditional butternut varieties to the table.
Culinary Quality
Creamy, sweet flesh offers a superior texture for diverse kitchen applications.
Germination Reliability
Standardized germination rates provide consistent results for predictable seasonal planning.
Key Specs
Soil Temp for Germination
65–85°F
Seed Depth
1–1 ½ inches
Seed Spacing
3–4 seeds per hill
Days to Emergence
5–10 days
Thin Plants to
1–2 per hill
Row Spacing
3–6 feet
Minimum Germination
75%
Seed Life
3–4 years
Features
- Hybrid for superior performance
- Sweet, creamy orange flesh
- Excellent long-term storage
- Highly productive plants
- Resistant to vine borers
- Quick maturation (approx. 85 days)
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise HUNTER for its exceptional quality and reliable performance. The seeds consistently deliver superior germination, resulting in vigorous, robust plants that show strong resilience. Gardeners frequently highlight the excellent flavor profile and texture of the harvest, making it ideal for various uses. A key theme is trust; the product performs dependably across different zones and soil types year after year. While the initial cost may be higher, the superior yields and reduced risk of crop failure provide excellent perceived value. This consistent, high performance solidifies HUNTER as a top tier, dependable choice driving significant repeat purchases.
Know before you buy
The 'Hunter' is a hybrid *Cucurbita moschata* variety that typically matures faster than traditional butternut types, reaching harvest in about 85 days. It is specifically bred for higher productivity and offers natural resistance to vine borers, which are common pests for squash.
For optimal shelf life, you must cure the fruits in a warm, dry place for 10 to 14 days after harvesting. This process toughens the rind, which is essential for long-term storage.
These seeds are best sown directly into the garden once the soil temperature reaches between 65–85°F. Plant them 1 to 1 ½ inches deep, spacing your hills 3 to 6 feet apart to give the productive vines enough room to spread.
While you should sow 3 to 4 seeds per hill to ensure germination, you should thin the seedlings down to 1 or 2 plants per hill once they are established. This prevents overcrowding and ensures each plant has enough nutrients to produce high-quality fruit.
Yes, 'Hunter' squash plants are known to attract pollinators. This is beneficial for your overall garden health, as these pollinators will help ensure a successful fruit set for your squash and other nearby crops.
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$20