Chieftain PMT, (F1) Squash Seeds

Chieftain PMT (F1) Squash Seed

Early compact butternuts combine quality with strong storability
Fine-grained flesh makes superb roasting and stuffing
Two-pound fruits ship conveniently for market growers
Powdery mildew tolerance supports healthier finishing plants

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Cucurbita moschata

Days to maturity

90 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

25 Seeds

About Chieftain PMT, (F1) Squash Seed, Squash Seed

The Chieftain PMT F1 Squash is a small early butternut hybrid that has an amazing storage and shipping potential for market production. This compact two pound squash has fine-grained flesh that is perfect for roasting or stuffing. The Chieftain PMT F1 is improved to be powdery mildew tolerant.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Days to Germination

4–10 days

In-row plant spacing

24-36"

Row Spacing

Plant profile

Maturity

Fall

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

12-18"

Growth Habits

Vining, Trailing

Type

Butternut

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

375

Color

Green

Seed Type

Hybrid

Growing Season

Warm-Season Crop

Before Planting

Squash grows best in a full-sun, warm location with fertile, well-drained soil and ample space for vines. Incorporate compost and correct nutrients according to a soil test, then shape raised beds or hills where drainage is slow. Wait until the soil is warm, and install trellises before planting if squash will be trained vertically.

Planting

Squash can be direct-sown after frost when soil reaches about 65–70°F, or started indoors 3–4 weeks earlier in individual cells. Keep the medium warm and evenly moist until emergence. Harden seedlings gradually and transplant without disturbing the sensitive roots. Space bush summer squash 18–36 inches apart and long-vining winter squash 6–10 feet apart.

Watering

Maintain even soil moisture for squash during bloom and fruit development, providing about 1–2 inches weekly when rainfall is short. Deep, soil-level watering supports uniform fruit and reduces stress without keeping the bed saturated.

Fertilizer

Side-dress squash with balanced fertilizer after establishment and again as flowering or fruiting begins. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage while reducing flowers, fruit, or maturity.

Harvesting

Harvest squash when fruit reaches the variety’s expected size, color, and firmness. Cut or twist gently without damaging stems, and pick regularly so overmature fruit does not slow continued production.

Tips

Train squash vines onto sturdy supports when practical, securing heavy fruit with slings. Remove row covers once flowering begins, and hand-pollinate if fruit starts swelling then aborts.

AVG. Seeding Rate

300 seeds/100'; 22,000–26,000 seeds/acre

Disease Resistance Abbreviations

Powdery Mildew

Pests & Diseases

Powdery and downy mildews, bacterial wilt, Phytophthora blight, gummy stem blight, and mosaic viruses affect squash. Plant resistant varieties, rotate cucurbits, control cucumber beetles, and avoid saturated beds. Remove permanently wilted or mosaic vines and discard fruit with water-soaked, sunken, or expanding lesions.

Squash is especially vulnerable to squash bugs, vine borers, and cucumber beetles, with aphids and mites possible in hot weather. Exclude early pests with row cover, then uncover for pollination and scout frequently.