Cucurbita moschata – Autumn Buckskin F1: A modern, robust nutmeg pumpkin with exceptional storage quality

The Autumn Buckskin F1 is a high-quality hybrid variety within the Cucurbita moschata group. This modern butternut squash combines excellent flavor, reliable yields, and strong resistance with an attractive, uniform fruit shape. The variety is popular with both professional growers and enthusiastic home gardeners, particularly thanks to its vigorous growth, mold resistance, and excellent shelf life of the harvested fruits.

Autumn Buckskin F1 was developed to perform in a variety of growing conditions—from warm, humid summers to drier climates—and is known as one of the most reliable moschata hybrids available today.

Appearance and characteristics of the fruits

Autumn Buckskin F1 fruits have a classic butternut squash shape: lightly ribbed, round to broadly oval, and with a firm, hard shell. Their color ranges from warm beige to a soft caramel brown—the characteristic "buckskin" hue that gives the variety its name.

The fruits typically reach a weight of 3 to 5 kilograms, making them ideal for both home use and commercial sale. Thanks to their uniform development, the fruits appear very consistent, a major advantage for market gardeners and conscientious hobby gardeners who value aesthetics and quality.

The flesh is deep orange, velvety smooth, and intensely sweet. The flavor is often described as nutty, creamy, and aromatic, similar to premium butternut varieties but fuller and richer in texture.

Strong growth and high yield

Autumn Buckskin F1 is a hybrid variety selected for its vigor, reliability, and resilience. The plants have medium to vigorous vine growth but are less invasive than some open-pollinated moschata varieties. This keeps the crop manageable while maintaining a high yield.

The plants are known for:

• Excellent fruit set, even in warm weather

• Resistance to powdery mildew (PM)

• Healthy, strong plants that remain vital for a long time

• Reliable growth on both rich and sandy soils

Autumn Buckskin F1 is particularly attractive to gardeners in temperate climates because moschata varieties typically require warmth to fully ripen. However, this F1 variety sets fruit faster and ripens more reliably than many traditional varieties within the same species.

Cultivation and care

Sow indoors from late April, or directly outdoors from late May when the soil temperature is consistently above 15°C. The plants thrive in sun, warmth, and fertile, well-drained soil. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Key cultivation benefits of Autumn Buckskin F1:

• Involved, strong root development

• High tolerance to heat stress

• Suitable for both small and large cultivation areas

• Suitable for organic cultivation

With sufficient space, the plants will produce multiple large fruits per plant, depending on soil quality and care.

Culinary versatility

Thanks to its rich flavor and firm flesh, Autumn Buckskin F1 is ideal for countless culinary uses. This butternut squash is excellent for:

• Roasted vegetables

• Creamy soups and sauces

• Pumpkin puree and gnocchi

• Curries and stews

• Baking recipes, such as pumpkin pie or muffins

• Stuffed casseroles

The flesh retains its structure during cooking, making it suitable for both delicate and firm recipes.

Exceptional storage quality

One of the greatest advantages of Autumn Buckskin F1 is its long shelf life. After harvesting, the fruits should be cured for several days to weeks in a warm, dry place. They can then be stored for 3 to 6 months in a cool, ventilated area. During storage, the flavor develops further, and the flesh becomes even sweeter and more aromatic.

Why choose Autumn Buckskin F1?

• High-performance F1 hybrid for optimal performance

• Extremely uniform and attractive in shape

• Deep orange, sweet flesh

• Reliable yield and strong resistance

• Perfect storage pumpkin for the winter months

• Ideal for both hobby gardeners and professionals