storage qualities of several winter squashes

[manonash]

I'm wondering what the storage qualities are of:
Delicata
butternut
Buttercup
Tennessee Sweet Potato
Jumbo Pink Banana

How long will they store for, and do they get sweeter with storage?

Thanks!

[tughillcam]

they store well.. if kept in a dry/semi warm environment.
Once Spring gets here, the seeds know what to do and start sprouting
inside the squash, so I guess that's the limit ;).

[LuvsToPlant]

I'm wondering what the storage qualities are of:
Delicata
butternut
Buttercup
Tennessee Sweet Potato
Jumbo Pink Banana

How long will they store for, and do they get sweeter with storage?

Thanks!
For the first 3 squash...I would suggest a COOL dry place, mine keep for 5 months never had any seed sprouting.
Your sweet potato again COOL dry place, make sure they dont touch each other, they will keep about 4 months.
The banana is not a long storage..a few weeks in a COOL dry place.
I have never noticed a difference in taste being sweeter
:)

[tughillcam]

right... cool.. not refrigerater cool, but cool.

[reubenT]

the storage quality in general is directly connected to the mineral density and correct balence of minerals of the soil. We'v had squash that didn't keep well at all. (usually commercial ag raised) and identical varietys that kept very well. The ones we grow usually keep better, and some have kept for over a year. We're just using the last of some that we grew year befor last. And I have see the seed sprouting in the squash, but most of the time it dosn't. Also the greater the mineral density of the soil, the better the fruit keeps, and the better it tastes, higher brix if ya test it with refractometer. Although I've noticed a watermelon at 12 brix is very sweet, while a winter squash at 12 dosn't seem near as sweet.

[Longtail]

I am in agreement with reuben. I haVe discovered a relationship of calcium to keeping quality of veggies, like winter squash and potatoes. I am sure it has benefits to others as well but have been watching these 2 the most. I am adding lots of ground limestone to the soil and seeing improvment in all areas, even if the ph tests good there may still be a need for more calcium.

[manonash]

Thanks y'all. I should probably use the JPB one(s) first, or hull and freeze. Of course, that will also be determined by what actually makes if any of them do. I'm being pretty ambitious I think. What can I say... I looked at the catalogue and got carried away:D. Plus, I have a few seed from other people. Thanks for letting me know not to let the TSP ones touch; that's good to know.

That very interesting about the mineral density. I have noticed that the supermarket squash don't seem to have very long shelf-lives. I have some butternut I managed to grow last year that look ok, but I haven't cut into them yet so I don't know. If the outside looks good, does that mean that the inside is probably ok too?

[LuvsToPlant]

I concur with you both...
I have always amended my soils, I guess I assume that every gardener does as well.
Having the best soil contents greatly affects the performance, quality as well as storage.