Kabocha Squash

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Be sure to check out our Winter Squash Growing Guide to learn how to successfully grow winter squash at home. Kabocha Squash is an open-pollinated variety that is hailed by many as one of the best-tasting squash of all time. Not only does the yellow/orange flesh have a wonderful nutty, sweet flavor but the dark emerald skin is also edible. This Japanese pumpkin is a prolific early maturing variety that produces 3-4 lb. fruits on sprawling vines. The oblong fruits are ready to be harvested once the skin turns dark emerald green and is firm to the touch. Kabocha should be cured either on the vine for 10 days or in a climate-controlled room for 4 to 5 days for maximum flavor. If cured properly, these winter squash can be stored for up to 6 months. Cucurbita Maxima. 95 Days To Maturity. Winter Squash may be direct-seeded or transplanted, although we highly recommend direct seeding. To ensure a good stand, we recommend planting Seeds every 12″ along the intended row. Once plants emerge, thin plants to one every 2 feet. Winter Squash can be susceptible to plant diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew if leaves receive excess moisture. As a result, we recommend using drip irrigation on winter squash to reduce plant moisture and feed plants more effectively. During periods of heavy rainfall, using a fungicide like Liquid Copper can help to alleviate disease pressure as well. Winter Squash is a crop that will produce a one-time harvest at the end of the growing season. They should be harvested when plants die back and the fruits obtain their full color. Stem hardness is also an indication of fruit maturity. Once stems harden, fruits are ready for harvest using a set of pruning shears. Winter Squash can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months, depending on variety and sugar content. Once fruits are harvested, remove the plants from the garden to prevent any fungal spores from overwintering and becoming a problem in future years. Proper crop rotation is extremely important with all pumpkin varieties to reduce disease and pest pressure. Kabocha Squash Planting Information Planting Method: direct seed When to Plant: after last frost Planting Depth: 1″ Seed Spacing: 8-12″ Row Spacing: 8′ Days to Maturity: 95 Disease Resistance: None Show more