Butternut EA is a high-yielding, early-maturing butternut squash variety developed for excellent flavor, long shelf life, and strong adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions. This variety produces uniform, tan-colored fruits with deep orange, sweet, and firm flesh—perfect for fresh consumption, roasting, soups, or processing.

Butternut EA matures in 85–95 days after transplanting and is suitable for both smallholder and commercial farmers. The plants are vigorous and disease-tolerant, ensuring stable performance under varying conditions. Farmers value this variety for its market-preferred shape, size consistency, and excellent post-harvest keeping quality.

Key Features & Benefits

• High Yield Potential: Produces uniform fruits weighing 1–2.5 kg.

• Early Maturity: Ready for harvest in 85–95 days.

• Excellent Taste: Deep orange flesh with natural sweetness and firm texture.

• Long Shelf Life: Can be stored for several weeks after harvest without losing quality.

• Disease Resistance: Strong tolerance to powdery mildew and viral diseases.

• Market Preferred: Smooth, uniform fruits ideal for local and export markets.

Growing Recommendations

1. Soil Preparation:

   • Prefers fertile, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter.

   • Optimal pH: 6.0–7.5.

2. Planting:

   • Sow seeds directly or in seedling trays and transplant after 2–3 weeks.

   • Spacing: 1m between plants, 1.5–2m between rows.

3. Fertilization:

   • Apply NPK 20:10:10 or organic manure at planting.

   • Top dress with CAN or potassium nitrate during flowering and fruit setting.

4. Watering:

   • Maintain consistent soil moisture during vegetative and fruit development stages.

   • Reduce watering as fruits mature to improve sweetness and storage quality.

5. Pest & Disease Control:

   • Watch for aphids, fruit flies, and powdery mildew.

   • Use Kuza Agrochem-approved insecticides and fungicides for protection.

Harvesting

• Harvest when the rind turns light tan and the stem begins to dry.

• Typical maturity is 85–95 days after transplanting.

• Handle carefully to avoid bruising the fruits.

Storage & Handling

• Store in cool, dry, and well-ventilated conditions.

• Can remain in good condition for up to 3 months post-harvest.

Why Choose Butternut EA from Kuza Agrochem?

✅ Reliable yields with uniform fruits.
✅ Excellent taste and long storage life.
✅ High market demand for local and export use.
✅ Disease-tolerant and adaptable to most Kenyan regions.
✅ Trusted, farmer-preferred seed variety.

Composition

• Seed Type: Open-Pollinated Variety (OPV)

• Purity: ≥98%

• Germination Rate: ≥95%

• Moisture Content: <8%

Best For

• Fresh market sales and home consumption

• Processing and export markets

• Open-field cultivation and greenhouse production

Rate of Use

• 10g: Sufficient for approximately 100–120 planting holes or 250–300m² of land.

Benefits

• High-yielding and early-maturing.

• Firm, sweet, deep orange flesh.

• Excellent keeping quality and transport tolerance.

• Disease resistance and low input requirement.

• Consistent performance and high returns per acre.