They can and will. If possiblr they should be stored someplace where the temperature holds between 5 and 60 degrees wqith an rH between 60 and 70, ie. a root cellar.

yep like all pumpkins butternuts will ripen after picking that is as fruit is. they are not noted for being the best storers, bit like the kent pumpkins aka jap(just another pumpkin) pumpkin.

len

Here is a link that might be useful: lens garden page

Whoops. That storage temperature should be between 50 and 60 degrees.

It depends what you mean by "ripen". If you mean that the taste and texture improves, then maybe. But they will never be as good as those ripened fully on the vine. Further, the shells will not harden and become protective for long term storage, as noted. So plan to eat them relatively soon.

Nothing has the flavor of any fully plant ripened fruit but they will taste at least as good as those you get at your grocers, many of which have no flavor at all.

In 2010 I grow butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) & had 4 or 5 last till march of 2011.

Thanks for all the help and tips