Cucurbita moschata – Autumn Crown F1: The perfect cross between butternut and nutmeg squash

Autumn Crown F1 is a high-quality, modernly developed pumpkin variety within the Cucurbita moschata family. This F1 hybrid is a cross between a traditional butternut squash and a butternut variety. The result: a compact, uniform pumpkin with irresistibly sweet flesh, exceptional aromas, and excellent storage quality. Autumn Crown F1 has become a top choice for both commercial growers and home gardeners striving for consistent quality and high yields.

Appearance and characteristics of the fruits

The fruits of Autumn Crown F1 are unique in their category. They have a compact, round nutmeg shape with slight ribs, combined with the smooth skin and compact structure of a butternut. This gives the pumpkin the appearance of a small, cream- to sand-colored butternut squash with a particularly elegant appearance.

The fruits typically weigh 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms, making them ideal for households: large enough for several meals, but not too bulky for home use. The skin is firm and thin enough to slice cleanly, while the deep orange flesh has an extremely fine texture.

The flavor of Autumn Crown F1 is one of the main reasons why this variety is so beloved. The flesh is intensely sweet, buttery, nutty, and aromatic, similar to premium butternuts, but with a fuller, richer nutmeg note. This makes it a favorite among chefs, amateur cooks, and anyone who appreciates fine culinary quality.

Growth power and cultivation properties

Autumn Crown F1 has been selected for its reliability, uniformity, and robust habit. The plants have a trailing habit, yet maintain a good balance between leaf development and fruit set. This results in a healthy plant that is less susceptible to stress and disease.

Important growing characteristics of Autumn Crown F1:

• Reliable fruit set, even in warm weather

• High resistance to powdery mildew (PM)

• Fast and even ripening

• Excellent skin hardening and storage quality

• Very uniform fruits

The plants thrive in rich, well-drained soil with ample sun and warmth—classic conditions for Cucurbita moschata . The variety performs exceptionally well in temperate European climates, making it ideal for both professional growers and serious home gardeners.

Cultivation and care

Sow indoors from late April or directly outdoors from late May, once the soil temperature has warmed up sufficiently. Mulching and regular watering promote stable growth and help prevent heat stress.

Autumn Crown F1 requires ample space because its vines can spread, but it's less rampant than traditional butternut squash. Its balanced growth pattern produces a high yield of uniform, high-quality fruit.

Culinary applications

The rich, sweet, and firm flesh of Autumn Crown F1 makes this pumpkin exceptionally versatile. It can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.

Recommended applications:

• Roasted pumpkin with aromatic herbs

• Luxurious creamy pumpkin soup

• Curries and stews

• Pasta sauces, gnocchi or pumpkin puree

• Pumpkin pie, muffins and other baking recipes

• Stuffed and roasted as an oven dish

The flesh has the ideal balance between firmness and creaminess and retains its structure during cooking.

Exceptional storage quality

After harvesting, the fruits benefit from a few days to weeks of curing in a warm, dry place. Autumn Crown F1 can then be stored for up to 4 to 5 months in cool conditions. The flavor only enhances with storage: the sugars concentrate and the texture becomes even softer and more aromatic.

Why choose Autumn Crown F1?

• Hybrid premium variety with optimal taste and yield

• Compact, uniform fruits with excellent presentation

• Deep orange, aromatic flesh

• Reliable growth and strong resistance

• Perfect storage pumpkin

• Suitable for professional and hobby cultivation