Bonbon (F1)

(Curcurbita maxima)
Buttercup

Buttercup squash are sometimes confused with kabochas, but they have a “cup” on their blossom-end.  Buttercups originated in the mid 1900's in the North Dakota State University squash breeding program. In our project we have evaluated quite a few buttercups. Unfortunately, most are susceptible to western Oregon storage rots. Of all the buttercups we tested, the hybrid 'Bonbon' bred by Johnny's Selected Seeds performed the best.  Bonbon is a beautiful, glossy buttercup with a large protruding 'button' weighing in at 2-4 pounds.

We do not consider Bonbon or other buttercups true WINTER squash in western Oregon when grown with overhead irrigation; they barely make it to December because of storage rots. However, dry-farmed Bonbon stored much longer than irrigated Bonbon in our 2016-17 dryland/irrigated production and storage comparative trials, so it is possible that dryland Bonbon could become a true winter squash in Oregon.

• kabocha that doesn’t require waiting

• sweet and smooth

• versatile in the kitchen

When to Find/Eat: October - December (March, depending)