Be sure to check out our Winter Squash Growing Guide to learn how to successfully grow winter squash at home. Red Kuri Squash is an open-pollinated, hubbard-squash type of winter squash. This variety produces teardrop-shaped fruits that average 3 to 5 lbs each and have an orange to bright red coloration. These winter squash are known for their sweet and delicious flesh, similar to Kabocha Squash. Also known as "Orange Hokkaido," Red Kuri Squash is a favorite component of many great winter dishes including soups, pies, and bread. Each plant will produce at least 2-3 fruits. This variety has been noted to have a native resistance to cucumber beetles. Red Kuri 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. Red Kuri Squash Planting Information Planting Method: direct seed When to Plant: after last frost Planting Depth: 1/2" Seed Spacing: 18-24" Row Spacing: 5-6' Days to Maturity: 95 Disease Resistance: None
