[Marcus10]

Hi, this is my first year growing  squash (winter squash Autumn Crown F1), as it is my first year growing most things! My first fruit looks like it has been fertilised, since it is starting to grow and the flower has dropped off. Now i know that my courgettes would only take less than a week to grow to harvest point from here but how long would a sqash typically take.

Also it looks like several other flowers have been fertilzed. How many fruit should I have on one plant. Should I limit this to a certan number eg 6, to give them all a chance  to grow.

Thanks from a novice.

[Trillium]

Once pollinated, a winter squash needs at least 2 months to mature. And yes, once you're sure the 'fruit' is growing, limit them to about 3 per vine by nipping off the vine just past the last set of fruit leaves. You'll still need to feed and water the plant (if not enough rain) so it can bulk up properly.

[mumofstig]

Medwyn says about 5 fruits per plant
http://medwynsofanglesey.co.uk/shop/prod_334.html

but I don't where you live (please add a location to your profile) to hazard a guess at how long they still have to grow 

[Marcus10]

Thanks. I have modified my profile. I live in the SW so I will try five pumpkin. (and I'm confident of a long Indian Summer!)

[gazza975526570]

would this be the same for butternut squash do you know?

[mumofstig]

butternuts usually need warmer weather than the other squash, unless they're bred for the UK climate, so you may not be so lucky with them.
I've got 4 on my Harrier (UK bred), so far, with no sign of any more setting 

[gazza975526570]

Ive got three plants and one so far has about 6 with more flowers on - largest fruit about the fist of my hand - do i now need to limit anymore setting and they could take 2 months? If so im sure the frost will get them before then

[JayG]

Do wot Trillium suggests - Wakefield and Canada might be a long way apart but barring a miracle summer is running out of time now in the UK and any newly-set fruits will probably not only not do well but reduce the chances of the others which are now getting near to developing and ripening properly doing well too.

[sunshineband]

butternuts usually need warmer weather than the other squash, unless they're bred for the UK climate, so you may not be so lucky with them.
I've got 4 on my Harrier (UK bred), so far, with no sign of any more setting 

Mine seem to have suddely sprung into production and there are several small ones with more female flowers coming along. 

I just let them run until the frosts come, and it does not seem to affect the size of the fruits at all tbh     In  a good year I can have six or seven really good sized ones per plant, in a poor year lucky to get one.